The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Howard J. Moran (ASN: 0-1290285), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Normandy, France, 13 July 1944. With communication with the battalion command post out, friendly tanks fired upon the enemy in such manner as to endanger the troops of the 2d Battalion. Through a barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire, Lieutenant Moran crossed an open field for nearly two hundred yards, climbed on the side of one of the tanks and succeeded in obtaining the attention of the tank commander. This daring action caused the tanks to cease their fire, contact with the battalion commander was established, and the tank fire properly directed. Lieutenant Moran’s gallantry, devotion to duty, his courage and disregard for personal safety, spared many casualties in his battalion and contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the battalion mission. 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.