The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Herman E. Prather, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 26 January 1944. Acting on his own initiative, Sergeant Prather moved 200 yards ahead of his Infantry company front lines to an exposed observation post. Disregarding sniper and machinegun fire which struck all around him, he directed artillery fire on an enemy self-propelled gun, and scored two direct hits, knocking out the weapon and killing its crew. He next shifted fire to an enemy tank, forcing it to withdraw. 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.