The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Haurice W. Bumpus (ASN: 36470355), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 290th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy on 6 April 1945, in Germany. As Private Bumpus’ platoon advanced across an open field in the attack near Dingen, it drew deadly grazing cross-fire from two hostile machine guns strategically emplaced. As the riflemen sought to maneuver into positions from which they could eliminate the automatic weapons, two enemy tanks opened fire with blazing machine guns and 75-mm. artillery. Private Bumpus, a Scout, maneuvered his way behind a small coal pile on the flank of the platoon and constantly sniped at the enemy to divert fire from his comrades. Then, displaying extreme courage and heroism, this gallant soldier exposed himself to the enemy fire and threw hand grenades into one of the gun emplacements, killing five fanatic Germans and destroying their machine gun. By diverting so much desperate fire to himself, Private Bumpus enabled his comrades to withdraw to positions of safety. This gallantry at the risk of his life reflects great credit on Private Bumpus and the Infantry.