The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Harvey L. Durbin (ASN: 18126108), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 83d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium. On the morning of 12 January 1945, at about 1030 hours, Company D, 83d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and an attached platoon of tanks were given the orders to attack and wipe out enemy positions about two miles south of Bihain, Belgium. Company D, acting as infantry, was proceeding through wooded, snow-covered territory toward its objective when the enemy opened with continuous small arms and mortar fire. The platoon of tanks was then sent forward in an effort to wipe out the enemy resistance. The tanks withdrew to more favorable positions and our infantrymen were sent in to engage the enemy. At this time, Private Durbin went forward in the face of intense small arms and bazooka fire, with complete disregard for his own safety, opened fire upon the enemy bazooka teams, inflicting casualties upon them and causing the remainder of the bazooka teams to retreat. During this action, Private Durbin was slightly wounded in the leg but continued to fire upon the enemy until he was seriously wounded my mortar fire. Private Durbin’s action in causing the enemy to retreat from their entrenched positions was the decisive factor in enabling our tanks to move forward and wipe out the enemy positions in that area. His bravery and devotion to duty and his determined effort to close with the enemy regardless of the consequences, was an inspiration to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.