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 First Class [then Private] Woodrow D. Gentry (ASN: 34367995), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. During a heavy enemy counterattack, Private Gentry observed a group of enemy soldiers establishing a machine gun position. He crawled within close range of the enemy, despite intense machine gun fire, and by skillfully firing his weapon, destroyed the enemy. 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.