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 (Infantry) Oscar E. Ireland (ASN: 0-2007054), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 9 April 1945, in the vicinity of Buehloff, Germany. When Company F was ambushed in the woods in the vicinity of Buehloff, Lieutenant Ireland, by crawling, creeping, and rushing, joined the first platoon, which was receiving most of the fire and ordered its withdrawal to safer positions. During the supervision of the withdrawal, Lieutenant Ireland was continuously exposed to enemy fire, but gallantly supervised the withdrawal until killed by enemy fire. The intrepidity with which he performed this deed was an inspiration to all those under him. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Lieutenant Ireland reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.