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) Harold H. Houser (ASN: 0-1293775), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 5 – 6 January 1945, at Stattmatten, France. Defending Stattmatten with two platoons, Captain Houser held off an enemy force of approximately 200 during eight hours of continuous combat, fearlessly moving from position to position inspiring his men to fight against overwhelming odds. Finally, finding his unit surrounded, Captain Houser broke through the German ring, and gathered together a force of tanks, armored cars and infantry. With this force he drove off the enemy, recaptured the town and effected the rescue of his troops.