The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), [then Second Lieutenant] Fred W. Finley (ASN: 0-472715), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. When a small advance section of his mine removal detail was ambushed by the enemy and was under heavy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Finley courageously proceeded forward, diverted the enemy’s attention, and succeeded in safely withdrawing the section. 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.