The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Vernon D. Sprague (ASN: 19085483), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 30 April 1945, near ****, Germany. When his company was advancing eastward with Corporal Sprague’s squad as the point, they were suddenly fired upon from 200 yards by riflemen and a 20-mm. gun. The lead platoon was pinned down, but Corporal Sprague boldly advanced under fire to the house which sheltered the enemy. Reaching the side of the house, he threw a Gammon Grenade into each of the two upstairs windows, killing five of the enemy and causing the surrender of fifteen. Corporal Sprague’s action enabled his company to continue its forward movement and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Airborne Forces.