Earl B. Rissmiller

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Earl B. Rissmiller (0-1016880), First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Lieutenant Rissmiller’s platoon was given the mission of contacting the enemy for a task force. When he encountered fire from an occupied town, he sent back word to the main force, then continued on into town. He had succeeded in clearing nearly half the town before tanks and infantry arrived. As heavy artillery and anti-tank fire started coming in on their position, Lieutenant Rissmiller went out into the clearing, reorganized the group, and withdrew them to cover. His quick action and clear, decisive thinking greatly reduced casualties and reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.