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 Oliver Kornegay, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during operations in Tunisia, in April 1943. Private Kornegay was acting as relay between an observation post and a radio, when the operator of the radio was killed at his post by mortar fire. Private Kornegay took his place without hesitation thereby continuing the communication so necessary at the time. Despite intense artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, Private Kornegay maintained his post on a bar ridge without cover. He relayed the sensings of the observer team by radio to his company commander. These sensings were passed on by radio and telephone to a friendly artillery unit which fired on the enemy battery and silenced it. The gallant action of Private Kornegay is an inspiring example and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.