The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Vechel W. Olson (ASN: 38148289), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 745th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 24 March 1945. 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.