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 (Infantry) Scott A. Youmans (ASN: 0-1295473), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 December 1944, in Belgium. Although his Third Platoon was cut off from adjacent units by an enemy counterattack, First Lieutenant Youmans courageously remained at his post and directed the fire of his men against the enemy. Hearing a wounded man call for aid during the action, First Lieutenant Youmans fearlessly advanced under a hail of machine gun and small arms fire and helped the man to a safe position. He then returned to his unit and directed its fire to cover the withdrawal of adjacent units until he was surrounded by the enemy and captured. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Youmans, 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.