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 (Infantry) Steve F. Phillips, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at El Guettar, Tunisia, North Africa, on 26 March 1943. Disregarding heavy machine gun and small arms fire, Second Lieutenant Phillips voluntarily proceeded ona reconnaisdsance mission deep into hostile territory and obtained valuable information concerning enemy dispositons. His dauntless courage and splended initiative enabled his unit to launch a successful attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Phillips, 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.