The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Hilbert W. Beck (ASN: 37261037), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 315th Engineer Combat Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in action on 9 November 1944 in the vicinity of Malling, France. During a mine detecting assignment, when a platoon of the 315th Engineer Combat Battalion was fired upon by a well-concealed enemy, Corporal Beck, Assistant Squad Leader, without regard for his personal safety, voluntarily advanced with a companion to locate the enemy position. While in the prosecution of this mission, the companion was wounded by the enemy and in an effort to rescue him, Corporal Beck was mortally wounded. The courageous action of Corporal Beck caused the enemy to disclose its position and contributed immeasurably to the success of the ensuing attack. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.