The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Lee B. Hatfield (ASN: 35686995), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 July 1944, in France. Technician Fourth Grade Hatfield and a comrade overcame almost insurmountable obstacles to maintain their observation post. Despite devastating enemy fire falling int heir immediate area, he gallantly continued with his mission of directing artillery fire on enemy installations until enemy resistance was completely neutralized and the attack by infantrymen resumed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fourth Grade Hatfield, 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.