The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Technician Fourth Grade] Merrill L. Mittge (ASN: 37416473), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 756th Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. At 1130 hours, on the morning of 18 April 1945, at Nurnberg, Germany, Sergeant Mittge stood exposed in the turret of his tank, despite machine gun fire ricocheting off it, and directed fire on an enemy machine gun until a direct hit killed the crew and destroyed the gun. He then continued to expose himself to machine gun and small arms fire while covering the advance of the infantry. By Sergeant Mittge’s courageous action at least fifteen of the enemy were killed. 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 and the United States Army.