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 Dale F. Fox (ASN: 13135240), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 30 March 1945, in the vicinity of Heidelberg, Germany. A message was received for the battalion commander who was on the south side of the Neckar River. Private First Class Fox on the opposite side, realizing the urgency and importance of the message, went to the shore of the river where enemy aircraft were strafing all troops attempting to cross. He took a small boat and rowed across the river, despite the constant fire from the plane. Reaching the opposite shore, the message was delivered immediately to the battalion commander. The outstanding courage and initiative displayed by Private First Class Fox reflects high credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.