The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gilbert A. Helland (ASN: 37171214), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 343d Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division. On 10 June 1944, Private First Class Helland, a lineman, made nine trips across a bridge that was under continuous artillery fire to repair breaks and telephone lines. Although others were forced to take cover, Private First Class Helland, without regard for his personal safety and without orders, continually exposed himself on the bridge to service the wires so that much-needed artillery support could be available to the infantry. Private First Class Helland was killed the following day while continuing such meritorious conduct.