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 J. D. Asher (ASN: 37532690), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action on 7 January 1945 in France. During an attack to secure high ground overlooking a vital road net, Private Asher assaulted an enemy emplacement which had halted his company’s advance. Fearlessly he charged up the hill in the face of incessant machine gun and rifle fire. Although he was painfully wounded he pressed forward until he neutralized the efforts of a machine gun squad, rocket launcher team, and two riflemen with hand grenades, enabling his company to advance and attain its objective. The determined courage exhibited by Private Asher reflects highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.