The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Hiram W. Lane, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action in Germany on 22 December 1944. During a strong counterattack by a very determined enemy in the fierce battle of the Huertgen Forest, Company G was subjected to murderous machine gun and mortar fire followed by an overwhelming assault on the company position. Sergeant Lane, in the absence of a platoon officer, took command of his platoon. With a light machine gun, he moved from one hole to another to return the enemy fire and inspire his battle-weary men to hold and repulse the enemy attack. He then rallied his men and led an assault on the enemy, and, in the vicious hand-to-hand combat that followed, was instrumental in killing many of the enemy and capturing fourteen prisoners. The courageous, fearless, and conspicuous leadership of Sergeant Lane was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.