The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Carlyle F. McDannel (ASN: 0-416101), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, from 12 to 15 December 1944. On the night of 12 December, Major McDannel assumed command of the 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, when the commanding officer was wounded and evacuated. On the following morning he was ordered to cross the **** River near ****, France. The bridge over which the crossing was to be made was demolished by enemy artillery fire, whereupon Major McDannel made a personal reconnaissance, located another bridge, and led the companies and led the battalion up the high ground on the hostile shore, where he established a road block on the highway between the towns of **** and ****, Germany. This position was subjected to terrific enemy artillery fire, but Major McDannel’s troops, inspired by the intrepidity and coolness of their leader who moved among the units of the battalion with utter disregard for personal safety, held the newly won ground, captured two enemy vehicles loaded withy mortar ammunition, and disrupted all enemy communication over this highway. On the following morning, despite the face that his ranks were depleted by casualties, Major McDannel led a successful attack on strong enemy positions in this area. His aggressive leadership, initiative, and personal bravery under fire reflect credit upon Major McDannel’s character as an officer and leader of men.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Carlyle F. McDannel (ASN: 0-416101), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 9 and 10 January 1945. For seven days, units of the 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, had been pinned down and forced to exposure in the mercilessly inclement weather, by an enemy group planning an attack. On 9 January, Colonel McDannel, Battalion Commander, made a personal reconnaissance upon which to plan an attack to relieve the beleaguered units. On 10 January, his reconnaissance completed and plan formulated, Colonel McDannel personally led tanks and infantry in the successful accomplishment of his mission, relieving the battalion troops, destroying the enemy group and thereby frustrating the enemy counterattack. Colonel McDannel’s keen tactical ability, his aggressive leadership and initiative, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.