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 Howard E. Mains (ASN: 35883012), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 17 April 1945. Private Mains was left behind with the other men to guard some prisoners. As the main body of the company moved ahead, an enemy machine gun opened fire on the rear elements of the unit. Private Mains located the source of the fire, and, leaving his comrades to guard the prisoners, he made his way to the cellar of the house in which the machine gun was located. Making his way up the stairs, he approached the room in which the gun was located, threw a grenade into it, and immediately charged into the room and succeeded in liquidating the position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Mains, 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.