The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louis J. Gerber (ASN: 35521757), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 531st Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Separate), in support of the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 October 1944, in Germany. When an enemy artillery shell exploded thirty feet from the half-track commanded by Corporal Gerber, fragments from the shell pierced two ammunition chests on the side of the half-track causing them to burn and explode. Without hesitation, Corporal Gerber unhooked both chests of the burning ammunition and threw them in a nearby pit. Corporal Gerber, without a thought of his own welfare, doubtlessly prevented casualties in his section and in adjacent gun crews, and also prevented damage to his vehicle and other government equipment. This display of initiative and courageous devotion to duty exhibited by Corporal Gerber are worthy of high recognition, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Armed Forces.