The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Hershell F. Van Luven (ASN: 35011601), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. During an intense enemy artillery barrage, Corporal Van Luven fearlessly crawled to an observation post on the forward slope of a hill and directed effective mortar fire on enemy strongholds. Corporal Van Luven’s superior fortitude aided materially in defeating a powerful enemy thrust. 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.