The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Irving Jacobs (ASN: 32006373), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 3 January 1945, about one and one-half mile from ****, Belgium. Technical Sergeant Jacobs, platoon sergeant, and his platoon, attacking across an open field, were pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire. A mortar shell landed in their midst, wounding the squad leader and blinding Technical Sergeant Jacobs. The company the platoon was attached to withdrew to set up a defensive position, leaving eighteen wounded in the clearing. Technical Sergeant Jacobs, although blinded, had his squad leader act as his eyes and successfully directed his men in evacuating the wounded. Using their voices as his guide, he removed four of the wounded. In fighting their way back tot heir lines, eleven more of the enemy were taken prisoners. He refused to be evacuated, although still blind, until he received a direct order from his platoon leader. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.