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 Gerald E. Hill (ASN: 31462190), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 April 1945, in the vicinity of Sandelsbronn, Germany. As the company advanced toward its objective, they received heavy small arms fire from dug-in positions. Private First Class Hill, gunner of a light machine gun squad, on his own initiative and under the heavy fire, advanced with his gun toward the dug-in positions. Using assault fire, he killed or wounded ten of the enemy. Through his effective and accurate fire, the company was able to reorganize and advance to their objective. The gallant action and outstanding devotion to duty of Private First Class Hill reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.