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 Floyd Madden (ASN: 34034139), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 February 1945. After crossing the Our River under severe hostile fire, Private First Class Madden, an assistant squad leader, with utter disregard for personal safety, advanced through intense enemy fire to place demolition charges in an enemy pillbox. When the emplacement was destroyed the occupants surrendered. This action had such demoralizing effect on the occupants of two more emplacements that they also surrendered. His courage and 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.