AWARD OF SILVER STAR. Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, the Silver Star is awarded to:

First Lieutenant Mike P. Cokinos (then Second Lieutenant), 01185167, Field Artillery United States Army, for gallantry in action in Germany on 26 January 1945. Assigned as forward observer, Lieutenant COKINOS successfully directed artillery fire for a period in excess of fifty hours despite hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire. He located an aid station and brought up aid men and litters to evacuate the wounded. When the infantry battalion commander was wounded by mortar fire, he administered first aid and covered the fallen officer with his own body, using his own steel helmet to protect the commander's face until the mortar barrage slackened. This gallantry was about the call of duty and reflects great credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States. Entered Military Servicefrom Texas.

AWARD OF BRONZE STAR MEDAL. Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September1943 as amended, the Bronze Star is awarded to:

First Lieutenant LaVar V. Ash (then Second Lieutenant) 01179277, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in Germany on 25 January 1945. Assigned as forward artillery observer, Lieutenant Ash performed his task for fifty hours under hostile fire. He then accompanied a tank company into a hostile town in the face of enemy fire. During this action he acted as a tanker and was also able to conduct artillery fire on the enemy gun positions. His actions reflected credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Utah.

First Lieutenant John M. Druary (then Second Lieutenant) 0532128, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on 26 January 1945. During the initial stages of an assault on an enemy-occupied town, Lieutenant Druary stood in the open hatch of his tank in order to adjust supporting artillery fire. In doing so he was exposed to friendly and hostile small arms fire. He successfully directed artillery support under these conditions. His actions reflect credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Alabama.

First Lieutenant Norman M. Hartman, 01176362, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on 25 January 1945. Lieutenant Hartman, acting as artillery observer, braved intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire on an open ridge. He directed a barrage of covering artillery and remained at this post for a period of fifty hours. Lieutenant Hartman's display of courage and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Pennsylvania.

Second Lieutenant William J. Sparkman, 0531604, Field Artillery United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Holland on 23 February 1945. Lieutenant Sparkman personally located and repaired a break in a communication line. The repair of this break was accomplished in full daylight, under intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Sparkman's actions relieved the wire crew of this dangerous risk and was an inspiration to all. His action under fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces and reflected credit upon himself and the Army of the United States. Entered Military Service from Texas.

Corporal Paul W. Kline, 33620568, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Holland on 23 February 1945. Corporal Kline, while repairing a break in the telephone lines, was under intense hostile fire. He was pinned down twice by enemy mortar and artillery fire that swept the area. In spite of the heavy fire he continued to work in plain view of the enemy until communications were again established. Corporal Kline's outstanding conduct was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Pennsylvania.

Technician Fifth Grade Norman P. Hammond (then Private First Class), 31232262, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on 24 January 1945. In the capacity of telephone operator Corporal Hammond accompanied a forward observer. The forward observer's radio was knocked out by mortar fire. He requested another set. Corporal Hammond volunteered to secure one in spite of concentrated fire from the enemy mortars and small arms. His devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. He entered Service from Massachusetts.

Private First Class Forrest W. Beavins, Jr., 34900816, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on 25 January 1945. Private Beavins serving as radio operator, accompanied a forward observer directing supporting artillery fire. His performance of duty under heavy artillery, mortar and rifle fire was exemplary. When communications became disrupted Private Beavins salvaged parts from two broken radios and managed to produce one that was workable. Moving through the battle areas he continually laid and repaired the remote control line to the half-track. Private Beavins' meritorious conduct and initiative reflect great merit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Tennessee.

Private First Class Richard Harney, 31270989, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious action against the enemy in Germany on 25 January 1945. Private Harney accompanied a forward observer directing artillery fire in support of an infantry unit. Wire communications were interrupted by artillery and mortar fire. Voluntarily and without regard for his own safety he started laying sire from the observation post to the command post, splicing the wire under intense enemy fire. His devotion to duty reflect credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Massachusetts.

Private First Class James D. Henry, 36822520, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on 25 January 1945. Accompanying a forward observer, Private Henry carried needed radio parts to the observation post under heavy enemy fire, without regard for personal safety. He made several trips to bring up equipment required to maintain communications. During this operation he was wounded by a mortar fragment. He refused relief until the section was relieved twenty-four hours later. His devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service. Entered the Military Service from Wisconsin.

Private First Class Francis I. Ross, 31328341, Field Artillery, United States Army for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Holland on 22 February 1945. Private Ross was assigned the task of laying the last five hundred yards of telephone wire to a battalion observation post. The terrain over which he worked was exposed to enemy observation and covered by direct fire. Private Ross completed the work under enemy mortar fire with complete disregard for personal safety. As a result of his efforts, massing of battalion fire was greatly expedited. Private Ross's devotion to duty reflects credit upon the Military Forces of the United States. Entered Military Service from Connecticut.