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 Private Harold G. McKay (ASN: 20722110), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of *****, France, 15 July 1944. Private McKay, gunner in a machine gun squad, was engaged in supporting the attack by his unit against enemy positions. A shell burst killed or wounded the other members of the crew, leaving Private McKay uninjured and the weapon still serviceable. Undaunted by the fact that he was the only remaining member of the crew, and determined to continue covering the unit’s advance, he placed innumerable belts of ammunition around his neck and shoulders and alone moved his heavy machine gun across a hedgerow where he resumed firing until killed by an enemy mortar shell exploding in his front. Private McKay’s gallant resolve to aid in the success of his unit’s mission at the cost of his life, his unselfish devotion to duty and his outstanding courage in the face of great odds, reflects high credit upon his character as an individual soldier and is in accordance with the highest traditions of the service.