The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Maynard W. Files (ASN: 0-386727), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, on or about 29 March 1943. When his company’s mission of covering the withdrawal of artillery elements was endangered by the sudden attack of numerically superior enemy forces, Captain Files, by his superlative leadership and dauntless courage under fire, skillfully delayed the enemy until our artillery could withdraw. 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.