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 Butler Hydrick (ASN: 34966385), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 January 1945, in the vicinity of Sigolsheim, France. Private First Class Hydrick, while occupying a two-man foxhole with another soldier, saw an enemy hand grenade land at his feet. He immediately reached down and picked up the grenade to throw it away. Before the grenade was completely clear, it exploded, blowing off his left hand. In spite of his injury, he fired his automatic rifle and killed the German who had thrown the grenade. Private First Class Hydrick’s outstanding courage is exemplary of the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.