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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Henry B. Prenger (ASN: 33562743), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 January 1945, in Belgium. A squad had been sent to investigate a building, and upon reaching a point two hundred yards from the house they encountered a terrific volume of fire which immediately killed six of the men. Sergeant Prenger and a comrade noticed that two members of the squad were seriously wounded. Leaving their sheltered positions, Sergeant Prenger and his comrade went to the aid of the wounded men and under a terrific concentration of mortar fire, they succeeded in carrying and dragging the wounded men to a place of safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 24, 1944
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 40 (February 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Henry B. Prenger (ASN: 33562743), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 December 1944, in Belgium. On that date, numerically superior enemy forces had succeeded in wounding soldiers occupying a house and were preventing litter bearers from evacuating them, by keeping the house and all routes of approach under intense fire. At great risk to his life, Sergeant Prenger voluntarily made three trips under fire assisting in evacuating the wounded. Together with his comrades, Sergeant Prenger safely evacuated twenty wounded soldiers. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.