The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Earl H. Hable (ASN: 13092962), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 21 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. Private First Class Hable, Machine Gunner, stayed in position and employed his weapon under fire from an enemy self-propelled gun less than one hundred fifty yards to his immediate front. Although the self-propelled gun had killed or wounded the riflemen protecting his positions, Private First Class Hable continued firing from his exposed position. His gallant action enabled the platoon to repulse the enemy attack and accomplish its mission. Private First Class Hable was later killed by enemy sniper fire as his platoon moved forward in the attack. His exemplary conduct under fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.

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 Earl H. Hable (ASN: 13092962), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 19 September 1944, at ****, Holland. Private First Class Hable, light machine gunner, Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, took up a position in the second story of a house within 50 yards of an enemy strongpoint. From his position he watched the enemy place two anti-tank guns in a position which covered the approach of the British tanks supporting the attack of his battalion. He opened fire on these guns and his position was immediately subjected to enemy automatic weapons fire and close range fire from concealed enemy light velocity cannon. Despite this fire, Private First Class Hable remained in position and knocked out one of the enemy anti-tank gun crews. As he opened fire on the remaining gun he was severely wounded by a direct hit on his position by a high velocity projectile. Though wounded he assisted the evacuation of the assistant gunner, who was also wounded and unconscious. As a result of his action he helped insure the success of the attack on the Waal River Bridge at ****. Private First Class Hable’s exemplary conduct and great courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.