The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Claude D. Deaton (ASN: 14067674), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the ** Tank Destroyer Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in Northern France. On 17 August 1944 in the vicinity of ****, France, Technician Fifth Grade Deaton was a driver of a tank destroyer which received word that two enemy tanks were located in the town in such a manner that to take them under fire would necessitate exposing his tank destroyer. Notwithstanding this fact, Technician Fifth Grade Deaton drove the tank destroyer into a street and was immediately hit by two rounds from the enemy tanks. His gunner fire one round knocking out one of the tanks when his gun jammed. Technician Fifth Grade Deaton then, after the enemy fire had ignited his tank destroyer, backed it into an alley and assisted in extinguishing the fire although his own clothing was on fire at the time. This gallant action on the part of Technician Fifth Grade Deaton was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.