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 Private First Class Howard J. Gfell (ASN: 35544618), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 9 April 1945, in the vicinity of Stein, Germany. Private First Class Gfell, radio operator, was advancing with the headquarters when the remainder of the company was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Rushing forward to establish flank protection for the company, he killed at least ten of the enemy. He then withdrew to gather reinforcements and led them in an attack on superior enemy forces. When the fighting ceased, he was found dead. Private First Class Gfell’s magnificent courage and gallantry in action reflect high credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.