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 Milburn J. Long (ASN: 39107504), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company B, 744th Light Tank Battalion, 75th Infantry Division, in action on 9 April 1945, in Germany. After supporting an infantry company in the successful attack on Bovinghausen, Sergeant Long, a tank platoon sergeant, and his crew concealed their tank in an outpost position. Noting a German Mark VI tank approaching in a counterattack, the crew decided neither to withdraw or advance but to ambush the enemy’s most powerful tank as it advanced. From a distance of ten yards four rounds failed to halt the Tiger Royal and it escaped, apparently not vitally damaged. Enemy infantrymen armed with bazookas came dangerously close but Sergeant Long directed their annihilation with heavy machine gun fire. Meantime another Mark VI tank appeared and proceeded to the aid of the first vehicle which had broken a track weakened by our barrage. As the latter tank lumbered across the field with the incapacitated one in tow, this valiant crew pressed an attack and despite receiving intense fire from their foe’s heavier and dreaded 88-mm. gun, destroyed both vehicles. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Long with complete disregard for his own safety and against terrific odds reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.