The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Olin E. Teague (ASN: 0-294931), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division. On 24 June 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Teague made a personal reconnaissance of his battalion’s objective, which took him deep into the enemy’s lines. The next morning, under heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and automatic weapons fire, he personally led his battalion against the objective. When some of the men faltered, Lieutenant Colonel Teague coolly and courageously exposed himself to enemy fire and urged them to follow him forward. He was wounded slightly in the action, but the battalion Objective was accomplished. On 3 July 1944 the battalion was advancing through heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire when Lieutenant Colonel Teague was wounded in the back. Because the operation was at a crucial phase, he disdained medical attention until the objective had been taken. Success of the action was due in part to his display of heroic leadership and coolness under fire. His conduct in both of these actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the military forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Olin E. Teague (ASN: 0-294931), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, on 13 December 1944 in France. In preparation for an attack by his unit, Lieutenant Colonel Teague made a personal reconnaissance deep into enemy territory and then, although the battalion sector was under enemy artillery and mortar fire, returned to lead both assault companies and each supporting tank destroyer into position. Feeling that the battalion observation post did not offer adequate observation of the entire sector, Lieutenant Colonel Teague was making his way forward when he was caught in a heavy enemy artillery concentration and severely wounded; and as he crawled from the area he suffered two additional wounds. Although suffering intense pain by the time aid reached him, he disdained evacuation until he had left detailed instructions for the continuance of the attack. The great courage, integrity of purpose, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Teague in the performance of duty reflect high credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.