The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Brice C. W. Custer (ASN: 0-247445), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st. Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 6 January 1945 near Stadtmatten, France. Answering radio call for assistance from two platoons of his Battalion which were completely surrounded by the enemy, Colonel Custer organized a small force of three light tanks, two armored cars and twenty infantrymen. Personally leading the attack against much superior enemy force and in the face of German automatic weapons, small arms and rocket launcher fire, Colonel Custer so employed his small force that the enemy was completely routed, the two platoons rescued and the town of Stadtmatten retaken. Approximately forty of the enemy were killed and 100 taken prisoner. The conspicuous gallantry and leadership displayed by Colonel Custer exemplify the finest traditions of the service.