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 David M. Gelston (ASN: 36468370), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 25 April 1945, in the vicinity of Leipheim, Germany. During an enemy counterattack, Private First Class Gelston remained in position, providing a covering fire while the remainder of the squad withdrew to the safety of the buildings on the edge of town. His fire accounted for many enemy casualties and the successful withdrawal of his squad. At this point of action, Private First Class Gelston, observing a wounded man lying in an exposed position, crawled one hundred and fifty yards to pull him to safety. Returning to his position, he continued to fire on the enemy until killed by enemy artillery. The gallantry and devotion to duty of Private First Class Gelston contributed greatly in repulsing the enemy attack and reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.