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 [then Private] Carl E. Gerber (ASN: 12045151), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 32d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to April 1943. When communication lines were severed by enemy fire, Private First Class Gerber voluntarily crossed terrain consistently exposed to heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire and repaired these lines, thus enabling his battery to complete its mission successfully. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.