The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Rufus C. Hamby (ASN: 34990719), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 6 January 1945 near Gambsheim, France. As ammunition bearer of the support platoon, Private Hamby was stunned by a shell burst but continued with his duty. Upon the appearance of four enemy tanks 350 yards away, Private Hamby exposed himself to enemy artillery and small arms fire to obtain a rocket launcher and rocket ammunition. He returned under fire to his position and commenced firing at the tanks. Twice the tanks fired at him, knocking him to the ground. Private Hamby then stood up and fired, disabling one of the tanks and causing the others to withdraw. His gallant action permitted the riflemen to prepare stronger defensive positions from which they were able to repel subsequent enemy attacks.