The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class David B. Strickel (ASN: 38096504), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 November 1944 in France. During an attack, the 3d Platoon was halted before a barbed wire entanglement and was pinned down by machine gun crossfire. The enemy then directed artillery and mortar fire into the area, inflicting several casualties. Private First Class Strickel, although painfully wounded by shrapnel, crawled forward in the face of the enemy fire to the barbed wire entanglement. As machine gun bullets struck within two feet of him and shells burst around him, he cut a path through the wire with a pair of wire cutters, thereby enabling his platoon to press the attack. After the objective had been taken, he was ordered to report to the aid station for treatment. On his way back he captured two enemy soldiers who were behind the friendly lines. 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.