The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Howard M. Cole (ASN: 36162116), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. When communications between his battalion command post and a forward artillery observation post were severed by enemy action, Corporal Cole voluntarily proceeded into heavy enemy machine gun fire and maintained these vital communications until seriously wounded. 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.