The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Ernie W. Tegler (ASN: 37449104), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 457th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 12 December 1944, in France. At 1330 on 12 December 1944, Private Tegler and other members of his gun section were digging in their gun position near Sarreaguamines, France. An enemy 88 or 120-mm. shell burst 15 yards from their 40-mm Anti-Aircraft Gun, wounding one of the men of the gun crew. Private Tegler, seeing his companion in distress, immediately rushed forward to aid the wounded man. A second shell burst nearby but Private Tegler, disregarding his own personal safety, proceeded towards the wounded man. At this instant a third shell burst at the feet of Private Tegler, killing him instantly. The courage of Private Tegler was an inspiration to his crewmates and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.