The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Lovell E. Grassmeyer (ASN: 35583009), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 at Hatten, France. When the town of Hatten, France was attacked and partly occupied by the enemy on 9 January 1945, it became necessary to send a group from the 1st Battalion Command Post back to the Regimental Commander with information and a request for aid. Acting as point for the four-man patrol, Private Grassmeyer led the group back safely through the town, working his way from house to house under heavy enemy fire from artillery, tanks, self-propelled cannon, rocket and grenade launchers, automatic weapons, and small arms. Putting together the parts of two disabled vehicles, he took the group to the Regimental Command Post where they obtained the food, radio batteries, and ammunition that was needed. Going back under heavy enemy fire, Private Grassmeyer again led the group by a different route, entering several houses to clear a path free of the enemy until the patrol returned safely to the Battalion Command Post.