The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Corneal Veltema (ASN: 36976138), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Saint Andreasburg, Germany, on 15 April 1945. When his unit was isolated during a bitter enemy counterattack and a platoon leader was wounded, Sergeant Veltema, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously crossed perilous terrain and unhesitatingly assumed command. Then, despite the intense artillery, mortar, and small arms concentration, he led his men forward in a determined assault, destroyed numerous enemy positions and captured over thirty prisoners. Sergeant Veltema’s gallant actions and outstanding leadership contributed immeasurably to his organization’s seizure of an important objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.