the President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Johnnie O. Ashby (ASN: 38064051), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, while temporarily attached to the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. When his company withdrew from a forward position to permit friendly artillery fire upon the enemy, Corporal Ashby noticed a wounded man in an exposed position. With the aid of another enlisted man, Corporal Ashby crawled through heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire and removed the injured man to a place of comparative safety. 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.