The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Earnest Q. Staley (ASN: 35075198), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Luxembourg, on 4 January 1945. As his unit advanced against strong enemy opposition, Private Staley, a scout, voluntarily and on his own initiative moved well ahead of his squad and into a thicket from which enemy machine gun and small arms fire was emanating. Firing his Browning Automatic Rifle with deadly effect, Private Staley moved doggedly forward. The twenty Germans occupying the thicket, amazed by the intrepidity of the American soldier, promptly surrendered. By his gallant action, Private Staley eliminated one of the strongest pockets of enemy resistance in the path of his unit’s advance and inspired his comrades-in-arms to move on to their objective. 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.