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 Herman D. Bucher (ASN: 35738942), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 February 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Butcher and two members of a forward observer party, being unable to deliver mortar fire on the enemy because of their proximity to our own troops, set out to destroy the enemy in a nearby building. Although under fire, they advanced on the building when they noticed nine of the enemy advancing along a hedgerow. Quickly moving toward the enemy group, Private First Class Butcher and his comrades opened fire killing or wounding the entire group. With this threat to the company removed, they joined the riflemen in storming the buildings and assisted in capturing twenty-five prisoners. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Bucher, 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.