The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Maurice W. Mitchell (ASN: 38600331), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 February 1945 in Germany. After attacking a strongly held Siegfried Line pillbox near Wallendorf, Germany, on 16 February 1945, it was necessary for the platoon in which Staff Sergeant Mitchell served as platoon guide to withdraw for reorganization. During the withdrawal which was slow because there were many casualties to be evacuated, the enemy fired an intense concentration of small arms fire at Staff Sergeant Mitchell’s men. Disregarding his own personal safety he alone returned the enemy fire so that the others might withdraw and continued to fight until mortally wounded by an enemy artillery shell. Staff Sergeant Mitchell’s courage, supreme sacrifice, and loyal devotion to his men and to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.