The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Herman Tate Shaw (ASN: 38062261), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 25 December 1942 to 9 January 1943, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Sergeant Shaw led his platoon with conspicuous gallantry over a period of ten days. In leading the platoon during attacks on Tarakena he repeatedly moved in advance of the platoon. By exposing himself to enemy fire to gain information and by personal bravery in removing wounded men to places of safety he set an example of courage and leadership in his command. He was killed while leading a patrol from an adjoining company against enemy automatic weapons which were holding up the advance of his command. Sergeant Shaw’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.