The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Henry Edward Gardiner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment, Combat Command B, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in 1943. While leading his battalion in an attack against enemy tanks and artillery, the tank in which he was riding was immobilized by direct fire from enemy guns. After removing members of his crew from the tank, he gave himself first aid and continued to direct he attack on foot, walking from tank to tank, amid heavy artillery and small arms fire. He allowed himself to be evacuated only after the action was terminated. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gardiner, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Henry Edward Gardiner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment, Combat Command B, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Tunisia in 1943. The personal example and qualities of leadership shown by Colonel Gardiner were highly responsible for the success of his battalion. All through the operation the directions to and employment of his companies was such that their maximum effectiveness was always obtained. During the entire operation, Colonel Gardiner was a the head of his battalion and on one occasion personally took enemy tanks under fire to pin them down while his command post could move to a more favorable position from which to fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gardiner, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Henry Edward Gardiner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment, Combat Command B, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gardiner, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.