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 Delbert J. Rathbun (ASN: 37144655), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 27 September 1944. Sergeant Rathbun, leader of an anti-tank squad, was assigned the mission of protecting the flank of defensive positions established by the 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, in ****, France. He placed his men in position near a road block. On the morning of 27 September, approximately two companies of enemy riflemen were observed approaching from the front, and a smaller group from the right flank. In order not to disclose the position of his anti-tank gun unless enemy tanks appeared in support of the Germany infantry, Sergeant Rathbun directed his squad to take up their rifles and wait for the enemy to come closer to their position. At a given signal, the squad fired at leading elements of the German column, killing two enemy rocket-launcher teams and several scouts with the first salvo. For more than six hours the squad stood fast, although their position was rendered precarious by infiltrating enemy troops and despite the fact that their communication and supply lines were severed early in the battle. Sergeant Rathbun’s gallantry in action, resourceful leadership and fighting spirit enabled his squad to repulse the enemy counterattack, and made more secure the battalion position in the 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 and the United States Army.