The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jessie B. O’Quinn (ASN: 38479676), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 April 1945 in Germany. During an assault on Erfurt, Germany, on 11 April 1945, the company in which Private First Class O’Quinn served as a radio operator was subjected to heavy machine gun fire which wounded the company commander. Private First Class O’Quinn bandaged his wounds and, shielding him from the heavy enemy fire with his body, dug a foxhole in which he placed the wounded officer. Disregarding his own safety he remained exposed in order to operate his radio and adjust artillery fire on the enemy emplacements. Private First Class O’Quinn’s courage, initiative, and sincere devotion 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.