The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant David C. Rouse (ASN: 6395584), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945, near Hatten France. After a heavy enemy artillery concentration, an enemy infantry and tank attack broke through the defensive positions of his company. The enemy continually tried to infiltrate past the mortar position from which Sergeant Rouse and his platoon leader were inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. When the Germans tried to enter the position through its one vulnerable spot, a small tunnel under a railroad track, Sergeant Rouse and the officer used direct fire with their mortar to repulse them. They kept the enemy from the emplacement until the mortar was disabled by artillery fire. Sergeant Rouse’s gallant actions were an inspiration to his men and exemplified the finest traditions of the service.