The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Henry J. Bettendorf (ASN: 0-1287820), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 3 March 1944 to 1 April 1944. When the Japanese forces penetrated a section of the front lines during one of three major attacks on his company sector, Captain Bettendorf proceeded under intense hostile small arms and mortar fire to a platoon command post and organized a counterattack that threw the enemy back and restored his front line positions. Captain Bettendorf’s presence with the forward elements of his unit and exemplary leadership were a source of encouragement and inspiration to his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Bettendorf, 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.