The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Felix M. Gossum, Jr. (ASN: 0-558261), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 14th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 April 1945, in the vicinity of Barging, Germany. When his platoon was pinned down under heavy machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Gossum remained in a standing position in front of his platoon and placed deliberate fire on the enemy machine gun position with his carbine, forcing enemy gunners to take cover. Lieutenant Gossum then rallied his men and led them in a charge on the machine gun position, personally killing two gunners and taking the rest prisoners. Lieutenant Gossum’s gallantry under fire and leadership reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the tradition of the Armed Forces.