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 (Chaplain’s Corps) Delbert August Kuehl (ASN: 0-479120), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, near Nijmegen, Holland. Captain Kuehl, Unit Chaplain, acting upon his own initiative and without orders of any kind accompanied the 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the initial assault wave of the daring daylight crossing of the Waal River at Nijmegen, Holland. Upon reaching the opposite river bank, Captain Kuehl voluntarily remained on the flat, open shore for approximately four hours, rendering first aid to the many injured, supervising the evacuation of the wounded by boats, and aiding in the beaching of subsequent assault waves of troops. Captain Kuehl remained at his post despite the fact that he himself was wounded in the back by a shrapnel fragment and under constant automatic weapons and sniper fire. He was instrumental in returning approximately 35 wounded soldiers to the south bank of the river. Captain Kuehl’s presence and courageous actions served as marked sources of inspiration for all the assault troops reaching the precarious shore and contributed materially to the success of the Nijmegen Bridgehead operation. 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.