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 Howard G. Rutter (ASN: 35758712), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany. At 1600 hours, on 25 April 1945, near Wertingen, Germany, when his battalion ran into enemy rifle, automatic weapons, and self-propelled fire from a hill 400 yards away, Private First Class Rutter set up his heavy machine gun on the forward slope of an adjoining hill and opened fire. Although the varied enemy fire barely missed him, he remained in his position for over an hour, killing eight enemy soldiers and forcing others to withdraw, allowing assault troops to advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Rutter, 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.