The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade Argyl L. Dryden (ASN: 37014071), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 132d Field Artillery Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in maintaining communication between an observation post and the battery position in Italy on 4 February 1944. Several times he volunteered to repair communications wire which intense enemy artillery barrages had severed. He successfully repaired a number of breaks in the wire, which was the only means of transmitting fire commands from the observation post, traveling over terrain constantly blasted by enemy artillery shells. Contemptuous of personal danger, he sacrificed his life in order that artillery fire could be successfully directed against the enemy forces. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.