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 Theodore F. Crowder, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the March 1943 campaign in southwest Tunisia. Private First Class Crowder worked his way behind the enemy positions to locate enemy machine gun nests, ammunition, and supply dumps. With total disregard for his personal safety and without orders he organized an ammunition carrying party and led these men back and forth from ammunition dumps to the guns for five successive trips. Later, under cover of darkness, Private Crowder went back to the enemy supply dump and secured blankets for the comfort of the men of his organization. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Crowder, 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.