The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Pat A. Neff (ASN: 35442286), 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 Furstenberg, Germany, on 8 April 1945. When a number of enemy half-tracks attempted to overrun his unit’s hastily established positions, Private Neff, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously moved across perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point. Then, despite an intense machine gun concentration, he crawled within range and, with accurate rocket fire, destroyed the lading armored vehicle and inflicted severe casualties upon the foe, thereby facilitating the destruction of the remaining assault forces. Private Neff’s gallant actions and outstanding initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.