The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Armor) Casper A. Rudinger (ASN: 0-1018950), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 September 1944 in France. Early in the morning of 15 September 1944, near St. Genevieve, France, while Lieutenant Rudinger commanded a platoon of light tanks, enemy tanks and infantry succeeded in approaching within twenty-five yards under cover of dense fog. Despite small arms and tank fire Lieutenant Rudinger mounted his tank, rallied his platoon, and engaged a superior force of larger enemy tanks. He fearlessly led his own tank against two of the enemy, before he lost his life when a third enemy tank destroyed his vehicle by flank fire. Lieutenant Rudinger’s display of great personal bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.