The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Technician Fifth Grade] Theodore L. Pierce (ASN: 35124500), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action during the period 15 to 16 October 1944 in the vicinity of Maizieres les Metz, France. During an attack on the town, Technical Sergeant Pierce, Machine Gun Section Sergeant, though painfully wounded, rallied his section, organized it into an efficient fighting force and led it in an attack on the enemy position. At risk of his life and despite intense enemy shelling, he silenced the enemy fire with rifle grenades and enabled the Company to advance. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.