(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Willard Koehler Liebel, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Chief of Staff, 17th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Liebel, 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.