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 Horace E. Mears (ASN: 3414292), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 69th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Lucka, Germany, on 12 April 1945. Under heavy enemy fire Private Mears dismounted from his tank and succeeded in capturing forty-six prisoners, several of whom were armed with bazookas. He then advanced in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and succeeded in obtaining the surrender of other troops in the area. His gallant actions enabled the task force, menaced by the bazooka men, to advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Mears, 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.