The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Harold A. Dodge (ASN: 31463890), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. During a strong enemy counterattack, Sergeant Dodge, light machine gunner, was wounded in the head by a shell fragment but continued to operate his gun efficiently against the enemy. In the third hour of the fight, he was again wounded, this time seriously in the left shoulder, but refused to be evacuated until the attack was repulsed. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Sergeant Dodge reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.