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 (Field Artillery) Henry R. Heyburn (ASN: 0-515492), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 499th Field Artillery Battalion, 14th Armored Division, in action near Oberodern, France, on 15 January 1945. When a tank destroyer parked in a burning building was abandoned by its crew, Lieutenant Heyburn endeavored to recover it. The first two attempts were unsuccessful as the tow cable broke. Undaunted by these initial failures, regardless of the danger of the burning building collapsing on top of them, he inspired his crew to continue the work, finally towing the disabled tank destroyer to a place of safety. Lieutenant Heyburn’s courage, leadership, and devotion to duty reflect credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest military traditions.