The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) David Axelrod (ASN: 0-418367), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion on 4 July 1944, at ****, France. Captain Axelrod, then a Battalion Surgeon, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, distinguished himself in an exceptional manner in the evacuation of wounded during an attack. The battalion advanced under heavy fire, which caused numerous casualties. They were pinned down by artillery, mortar and small arms fire 300 yards from their objectives. Captain Axelrod risked his life continually in order to evacuate the wounded. With complete disregard for his own welfare, he braved heavy fire in order to remove and treat these wounded. Men were killed and wounded by his side as he accomplished his tasks. He shielded the wounded with his own body when artillery fire landed nearby, and with superb coolness administered blood plasma amidst the falling shells and machine gun fire. By his heroism and disregard for his own personal safety, he succeeded in evacuating over 58 casualties. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Medical Service and the United States Army.