The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Roy E. Tidd (ASN: 19076785), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 27 September 1944, approximately three miles northeast of Nijmegen, Holland. When the security of his company’s defensive position near Erlekom was severely endangered by a fierce enemy counterattack, consisting of approximately 100 infantry supported by four tanks, artillery and mortars, Sergeant Tidd, a rifle squad leader, recognizing that immediate action was necessary, left his foxhole and moved approximately 250 yards to the rear of his position through intense enemy fire to a British tank. He then directed this tank to a forward firing position. Observation being very poor at the time because of fiercely burning buildings to his immediate front, Sergeant Tidd remained in an exposed position near the tank and continued to direct fire for the tank commander. His excellent direction of fire, which the tank commander lauded very highly, was directly responsible for the destruction of the two leading enemy tanks and the withdrawal of the other two. By his cool courage and effective direction of fire despite the intense artillery, machine gun, and mortar fire directed at the British tank, Sergeant Tidd was directly responsible for the breaking up of the enemy counter-attack and the reestablishment of his company’s position. His gallant actions and unselfish conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.