The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Armor) Harold A. Oakland (ASN: 0-1015416), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 70th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. When his tank had received two direct hits and was disabled and aflame, Lieutenant Colonel Oakland, ignoring enemy machine gun and small arms fire, succeeded in evacuating two seriously wounded members of his crew to a place of safety. 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.