Earl A. Bahr

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Earl A. Bahr (0-2006534), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 63d Armored Infantry Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 2 April 1945, near Obermassfeld, Germany. While serving as platoon leader, Lieutenant Bahr’s platoon was pinned down by intense enemy small arms fire. Lieutenant Bahr thereupon ordered his platoon to remain in a covered position while he moved into an open and exposed position in an effort to locate the origin of the enemy fire. Although subjected to intense enemy sniper and machine gun fire, Lieutenant Bahr remained at his observation post until he located the enemy position. Returning across open terrain to his platoon, Lieutenant Bahr was wounded by Panzerfaust fire but refused treatment until tank fire was directed upon the target, permitting his platoon to advance and secure their objective. His gallant courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.