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 Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Carleton E. McNicholas (ASN: 0-1113834), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944 on the Normandy beachhead in France. In an effort to open a beach exit, Second Lieutenant McNicholas volunteered to lead a party to eliminate a sniper’s position which was greatly impeding the progress of the work parties. Fully aware of the danger involved, both from the enemy and our own naval guns, Second Lieutenant McNicholas led his group in a frontal assault on the enemy position. Second Lieutenant McNicholas was killed, but his courage inspired his men to complete the task which they had set out to do. The devotion to duty shown by Second Lieutenant McNicholas reflects great credit upon himself and the Military Service.