The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Hugh T. Shellem (ASN: 33793069), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 5 January 1945. When his company, new to combat, was pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire while attacking a wooded sector near Wingen, France, Technical Sergeant Shellem, with total disregard for his own safety, advanced alone against the enemy gun emplacements in an attempt to knock them out with hand grenades. He had silenced one enemy weapon, killed one sniper and wounded another, when he was killed by enemy fire. Roused and inspired by his heroic assault, which had removed a dangerous threat, the company immediately advanced and subsequently accomplished its mission. His action exemplifies the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.