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 Birchard G. Steele (ASN: 12080967), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. Private First Class Steele was with a number of parachutists who were pinned down by enemy machine-gun fire, while moving along a road from the drop zone to the battalion assembly area. The terrain on both sides of the highway was inundated, preventing the group from by-passing the enemy. Private First Class Steele, without regard for his personal safety, moved across the road completely exposed to enemy fire in order to attack the enemy. While making this assault, he was mortally wounded, but his action finally drove the enemy out of the prepared position, thus enabling the body of parachutists to continue their advance to the battalion assembly area. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.