The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Vernon R. Rottstedt (ASN: 0-388590), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Battery A, 5th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in 1943. During an enemy tank attack on our positions the Observation Post occupied by Captain Rottstedt came under heavy fire from enemy tanks, and took a direct hit from a tank gun which severely wounded his instrument Sergeant. The position having become untenable, Captain Rottstedt administered first aid and then carried the wounded man over terrain swept by heavy artillery and small arms fire to the battery position. He then established a new Observation Post and continued to fire on the enemy tanks until they withdrew. His heroic action undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded man and his courage and determination in the face of the enemy tank attack aided materially in securing the Division beachhead. Captain Rottstedt’s 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.