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 Rolla T. Creel, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on the night of 12 February 1944. Private Creel was serving on outpost duty protecting the rear of his Infantry company sector. When, during a routine patrol mission some distance from the outpost, he observed an enemy patrol consisting of 12 men approaching the company command post from the rear, he immediately attacked the patrol. By his excellent marksmanship he succeeded in dispersing the infiltrating Germans, causing several casualties and taking three prisoners.