The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Carl Ash (ASN: 37390800), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 12 August 1944. As his platoon moved to the front, the vehicle in which Sergeant Ash was riding was ambushed by enemy forces concealed behind hedgerows along the road, causing numerous casualties. Sergeant Ash leaped from the truck, moved along the hedgerow toward the enemy, firing his pistol rapidly and shouting imprecations at the enemy. His actions enabled his platoon to regroup, and played a large part in forcing the enemy to withdraw. Sergeant Ash then carried his wounded squad leader to a position of safety and administered first aid to him and to other wounded soldiers of his platoon. His gallantry in action, his fighting spirit and disregard for personal safety are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.