The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Arthur Pratt (ASN: 13013697), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division on 10 January 1945, at Phillipsbourg, France. During the initial phases of a strong counterattack, Staff Sergeant Pratt’s platoon suffered such heavy casualties that disorganization appeared imminent. When his platoon leader and sergeant were wounded, he assumed command and coolly deployed his men to meet the enemy assault. Under his leadership, the platoon repelled the attack.