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 Captain (Infantry) Louis William Howe (ASN: 0-26924), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 January 1951, near Yongin, Korea, Company E had the mission of securing Hill 380, an intermediate objective, to provide a springboard for the battalion to launch an attack on the main objective, Hill 425. Captain Howe led his company forward to the vicinity of Hill 380. Nearing the objective, the company met with a tremendous volume of devastating fire from a well-entrenched and camouflaged enemy, pinning it down and completely stalling its advance. Captain Howe, realizing that immediate action was necessary, quickly and courageously, alone and exposed, moved through the enemy fire over the rugged terrain to a point from which he could determine the source of fire. With complete disregard for his safety, he moved about, encouraging his men, and inspiring them with his courageous actions. Having prepared his men for an assault on the enemy position, in the face of devastating fire he made his way forward to the lead squad in order to lead the assault. In so doing, he was struck by enemy fire and instantly killed. The extreme heroism and gallant sacrifice of Captain Howe is in in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.