The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Samuel W. Boyt (ASN: 0-411009), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 near Hatten, France. Preceded by a heavy artillery concentration, an enemy infantry tank attack broke through our defensive positions. The enemy continually tried to infiltrate into Lieutenant Boyt’s mortar position, but by his heroic leadership, he succeeded in holding his position against a determined enemy. When they tried to enter his defilade position through one vulnerable spot, a small tunnel, Lieutenant Boyt and another man united to fire direct mortar fire into the tunnel holding the enemy back until the mortar was destroyed by enemy fire. Lieutenant Boyt’s heroic actions were an inspiration to the men who fought with him.