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 Kelly W. Byars (ASN: 34116290), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944 about one mile north of ****, Holland. The 1st Platoon of Company A was leading the attack on the town of ****, and the left flank ran into heavy machine gun and rifle fire, resulting in several men being seriously wounded. Private Byars, the platoon Aid Man, saw the men fall and rushed to their aid across open ground swept by automatic weapons and rifle fire. He treated several men and found one man’s wounds so severe it was advisable to remove him to the rear. Private Byars with total disregard for personal safety lifted the wounded man on his back and carried him sixty-five yards to a sheltered location. During this entire action Private Byars was under fire of the enemy. He knew that he was the target of aimed fire yet showed extraordinary bravery and exposed himself to the fire to save the life of a wounded man. His gallant action was not only in keeping with high traditions of the service but those of humanity as well. 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.