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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Burl LaVerne Sloan (ASN: 0-1822470), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 643d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 3 to 11 April 1945, in Germany. Lieutenant Sloan led a reconnaissance party several miles in advance of any protection for 300 miles into intensely hostile territory without loosing a man until the last resistance at the end of the march. On his mission the party not only reconnoitered but captured 20 towns and beyond the normal duty of a reconnaissance unit, engaged in numerous fire fights with the enemy. Meeting 120 hostile towns, he assisted in making it possible for the infantry division which followed his unit to drive with smashing speed through to the Elbe River. His leadership was an important factor in the success of this reconnaissance mission. His service reflects the greatest credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the army of the United States.