The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Elvin Henry O’Neal, Jr. (ASN: 7009276), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through August 1943. While under direct machine gun and rifle fire, Corporal O’Neal placed his squad in a better position to support the attack of the main body of his company. When enemy tracer bullets set fire to a wheat field in which he had located his men, Corporal O’Neal crawled out in the face of heavy enemy fire and extinguished the flames, thereby saving the lives of his men and enabling them to continue their supporting fire. 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.