The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard A. Break (ASN: 0-553255), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 24 January 1945, Lieutenant Break led a small detachment three times in a courageous counter attack against overwhelming superior enemy forces that had established itself in a position endangering his company. Each time a superior hostile force surrounded his detachment and each time he successfully led them out of the encirclement. As a result of the example set by Lieutenant Break his company, although surrounded for hours with its left flank cut off, was inspired to remain steadfast in its position, preventing a major breakthrough by the enemy.