The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Harold A. Stueland (ASN: 0-1165455), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Stueland, acting as Battalion Artillery Liaison Officer and forward observer, played an outstanding part in the success of a coordinated attack on the town of **** from two directions. Forced by exigencies of combat, First Lieutenant Stueland laid one-half mile of wire through sniper infested territory to maintain communications, vital for effective close artillery support. First Lieutenant Stueland personally killed three enemy and assisted in the capture of ten more while carrying out his assigned job. His outstanding industry and fortitude under fire made possible the capture of **** and over two hundred prisoners, with relatively few casualties by the American Forces. 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.