The President of the United States of America 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 and the United States Army. Authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ernie R. Atkins (ASN: 34505191), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 27 March 1945. While on outpost duty in a wooded area which had just been cleared by our troops, and before the position had been consolidated, the enemy launched a sharp counterattack supported by armor. Without thought of personal safety, Sergeant Atkins and a comrade manned a machine gun and repulsed the initial attack. The enemy launched another attack, which was likewise frustrated. The enemy launched a third attack, and Sergeant Atkins and his comrade, after expending all their ammunition, withdrew to their platoon position. By his gallantry and fighting spirit, Sergeant Atkins enabled his unit to consolidate its position, from which it continued forward to its objective later in the day. 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 and the United States Army.