The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harold R. Richards (ASN: 20743821), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 125th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) (Separate), in support of the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 April 1945, in Germany. Noticing the plight of several men trapped in a house with the enemy closing in with small arms and panzerrfausts, Sergeant Richards voluntarily led a tank through a mine field despite being wounded and two of his comrades killed. His gallant action allowed tank fire to be placed on the enemy, enabling the trapped men to escape. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Richards, 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.