The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Willard Middleton (ASN: 17029642), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 2 January 1945, near Phillipsbourg, France. When his company was cut off by a crossfire of heavy enemy machine guns and small arms fire while attempting a withdrawal, Private First Class Middleton advanced alone through the hostile fire, knocked out three enemy machine gun positions, and killed several enemy riflemen. This accomplishment enabled the company to make a successful withdrawal.