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 Berlin J. Ladner (ASN: 34478266), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 104th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations on 19 November 1944. When his company came under heavy fire from well-entrenched enemy field fortifications, and suffered many casualties, Sergeant Ladner led a patrol to within 150 yards of the enemy positions at which point it was pinned down by heavy enemy fire which seriously wounded several men. With complete disregard for his personal safety and while under intense enemy machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire, Sergeant Ladner carried wounded men 400 yards across fire-swept terrain to a safe position where they could receive medical aid. In one instance he braved enemy fire at point-blank range to rescue a seriously wounded man, and while doing so was fatally wounded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.