The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Arthur Abrahamson (ASN: 0-101377), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in action on 6 September 1944 near Besancon, France. When the infantry had been halted in their advance on a strongly defended fort overlooking Besancon, France, Lieutenant Abrahamson led two tanks and two tank destroyers against the enemy position. Under murderous rifle, machine gun, and sub-machine gun fire, and with mortar rounds landing all about him, he changed tanks on two occasions because of gun failure, and brought such effective fire to bear on the fort that the infantry were able to assault the position and gain access to the fort with only a few casualties. Lieutenant Abrahamson’s gallantry and exceptional courage under fire was the determining factor in taking the enemy strong-hold and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.