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 Private First Class Chester Mays (ASN: 35267695), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Hill 730 in Italy, on 21 December 1943. Private First Class Mays, a mortar squad gunner, was assigned a position for his mortar. Although constant observed fire from enemy mortars, artillery, and a machine gun fell on the ground between him and the spot designated for his mortar, he advanced toward it with his weapon. When he reached the final trail leading to the position, deadly machine gun fire barred his way. Private First Class Mays knew that to advance further seemed to mean certain death, but he also knew that success or failure of the operation depended upon effective employment of his mortar. He continued forward, racing from boulder to boulder, pausing only for seconds to select the route that would make his success more nearly possible. When he was only 20 yards short of his destination, he was shot by an enemy sniper and died with success of his mission almost in sight. Private First Class May’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.