The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Adrian A. Van Hook (ASN: 0-1170231), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 June 1944, in France. When violent counter-battery fire ignited powder containers and caused many casualties, First Lieutenant Van Hook rushed from his sheltered position and directed measures to extinguish the flaming powder. Although the powder was dangerously close to piles of fuzzed projectiles and there was imminent danger of them exploding, he worked furiously and managed to extinguish the flames. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Van Hook, 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.