The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Cornelius Ardalion Lichirie, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 90th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, on 21 – 22 March 1945. When he and his men were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Colonel Lichirie daringly leaped from the ground to the top of a nearby tank which was receiving sporadic small arms hits and manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted thereon. This quick reaction neutralized the enemy position from which the heaviest fire was coming. From the early afternoon of 21 March until the successful completion of the attack on St. Martin on the morning of 22 March 1945, his dauntless courage and outstanding leadership were inspirational to his men and meant the difference between success and failure of the operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Lichirie, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.