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 Second Lieutenant (Cavalry) Melvin B. Haverty (ASN: 0-527706), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 2d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) (Separate), in support of the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 December 1944, in France. Lieutenant Haverty, at ********, France, led his tank platoon into the town in support of dismounted reconnaissance men whose mission was to secure the town. When the dismounted men were halted due to enemy firing from cellar windows he moved his five tanks on in front of the dismounted men. Because it was impossible to direct the tank and machine gun fire with the hatches closed, he opened his tank hatch and although leaving himself exposed to the enemy fire, moved on raking the cellars with 37-mm. and machine gun fire. While thus exposed Lieutenant Haverty was killed by an enemy sniper. The attacking force was forced to withdraw but Lieutenant Haverty’s actions with his platoon inflicted such casualties on the enemy that a second attack was successful. The courageous actions of Lieutenant Haverty and his utter disregard for personal safety reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.