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 Fred Lucas (ASN: 6574064), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1944, in Germany. When the battalion with which Private First Class Lucas was serving captured a hill position, they were beset with a strong counterattack, including many enemy tanks which struck viciously at the positions which had not yet prepared anti-tank defense. Displaying exemplary coolness under fire, Private First Class Lucas and a single companion manned and fired an enemy rocket gut so skillfully, although neither of them had ever fired the weapon before, that an enemy tank was destroyed and the other enemy tanks were forced to attempt an attack at a different point. During the action, the enemy lost fourteen tanks, and while Private First Class Lucas destroyed only one, he forced the others to maneuver into positions where anti-tank defenses had already been prepared. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Lucas, 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.