The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Mathias J. Heuser (ASN: 32996690), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Military Police Platoon, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 6 April 1945 at Veitshocheim, Germany. Private Heuser volunteered to accompany an officer and three enlisted men across the Main River to attempt to induce the enemy garrison at Veitshocheim to surrender. After a three hour conversation, surrounded by an overwhelmingly superior armed enemy, the enemy commander was persuaded to capitulate. Although the return route was covered by fanatical SS troops with machine guns, Private Heuser assisted in rowing the captives across the river and later returned to demolish three loaded enemy flak guns. His outstanding heroism and aggressive determination resulted in the capture of the town and 129 armed enemy and the liberation of six American prisoners of war without casualties.