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 Loren Douglas (ASN: 36776944), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 7th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 27 January 1945. Private Douglas, assistant gunner in a machine gun platoon, carried a radii under heavy enemy fire to a forward command post, thereby providing vital communication with supporting elements. When three half-track vehicles of another platoon were disabled by mines, he voluntarily went forward under artillery and mortar fire, and aided in towing the vehicles to safety and clearing a path for advancing tanks. Later, while voluntarily reconnoitering a route around a mine field, he encountered a group of enemy soldiers. Wounding the leader, he succeeded in taking the remainder prisoners. His actions reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.