The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Terrance Anthony Vangen (ASN: 0-1283873), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, ***th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division. On 19 February 1945, Captain Vangen, as Commander of Company E, was assigned the mission of capturing five enemy held pillboxes in the vicinity of f*****. Intelligence reports indicated that two of these pillboxes were in the hands of friendly troops. Rather than take the risk of firing on his own troops, Captain Vangen ordered his troops to hold their fire while he and an enlisted man went forward to reconnoiter the two pillboxes in question, despite harassing enemy mortar and sniper fire. He discovered one officer and three enlisted men who had been cut off from their unit who were in a weakened condition and returned them to the rear for medical treatment. Later he ordered his company to attack the remaining pillboxes, aggressively leading his men in the attack and all the while exposing himself to extreme enemy artillery and sniper fire. Due to the lack of medical assistance he administered first aid to the wounded and assisted in evacuating them to the rear. Receiving slight wounds during the ensuing action, Captain Vangen tended to his own wounds and continued to lead his company with the foremost elements. His inspiring leadership, aggressiveness, and undaunted determination exemplify the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.