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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Herman William Ohme, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division in action against the enemy in Italy, during World War II. Although entirely unfamiliar with his officers and men, Colonel Ohme immediately began to display his aggressive leadership, ability, and tenacity of purpose that will seldom be equaled. Finding his battalion held up by heavy machine gun fire and snipers, and a relentless artillery and mortar barrage, Colonel Ohme at once took steps to move the battalion to its objective. So thorough was his planning, so aggressive his tactics and so inspiring his leadership that a short time later the battalion seized its objective. Again on October 11, 1944, the outstanding and heroic leadership of Colonel Ohme was exhibited. Ordered to take a certain town, the Third Battalion was fighting bitterly against fanatical enemy resistance. Colonel Ohme, from an exposed observation post, directed artillery and tank fire. Inspired by the example of their gallant commander, the battalion succeeded in crushing this resistance and taking the town and high ground beyond. Colonel Ohme immediately set up his command post on high ground where he had excellent observation of the enemy and could direct tank and artillery fire. Although continually under artillery fire, self-propelled gun and mortar fire in this position. Colonel Ohme realized the importance of the fire he was directing. At great risk, he remained in the position until four of his men had been killed at his side. Only then did he move to a new location and once again began directing fire from the edge of his fox hole. Devotedly engaged in this action, an enemy artillery shell made a direct hit and killed Colonel Ohme instantly. The gallantry and devotion to duty that Colonel Ohme displayed injected new life into his battle-weary officers and men and quickly won their admiration and esteem. Although his combat activities were short-lived, his bold and gallant determination to annihilate the enemy reflects honor on our armed forces, and is a credit to his memory.