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 Harold M. Bauer (ASN: 36766137), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. Private First Class Bauer proceeded across open terrain to knock out an enemy machine gun approximately twenty-five yards away by using anti-tank grenades and rockets. In order to complete this mission, Private First Class Bauer had to cross open ground which was subjected to intense enemy fire. During this action, he was wounded but completed his mission, which permitted his platoon to advance and accomplish its pat of the company action. Private First Class Bauer’s disregard for his own personal safety reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.