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 Corporal] Eslie E. Howell (ASN: 16059957), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 2 April 1945, in the vicinity of Tiefenbach, Germany. When the company received heavy small arms fire, Sergeant Howell crawled forward to flank the enemy positions. Although bullets tore his clothing and equipment, he continued on and exposed himself purposely to locate the enemy machine gun. He then crawled to within thirty yards of the enemy position and with accurate rifle fire successfully killed the crew of the gun, thus eliminating this threat to the company. The gallant action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Howell reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.