The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Recy W. Upchurch, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action on the FIFTH Army front in Italy during World War II. Sergeant Upchurch led his squad against a hill occupied by approximately 30 Germans armed with rifles and machineguns. Rallying his men despite intense grazing machine gun fire, he led them in storming the enemy position, neutralizing all guns and taking 24 prisoners. After consolidating the position, Sergeant Upchurch moved over 400 yards of open terrain and administered first aid to six seriously wounded men. Sergeant Up-church’s gallantry and leadership reflect credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.