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 Earl C. Simpson (ASN: 35249003), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 19 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. The first platoon of Company E was protecting friendly tanks from enemy infiltration during their attack on the Siegfried Line. Private First Class Simpson, a member of that platoon, braved an intense enemy barrage to save the lives of three wounded soldiers and was wounded himself. Refusing to be evacuated, he participated in the advance of his platoon in which his courageous actions, in a large degree, were responsible for its success. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Private First Class Simpson reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.