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 Harold A. Bacon (ASN: 11019503), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 December 1944, in Belgium. Private First Class Bacon displayed outstanding heroism by leaving shelter to run forward through murderous fire in an attempt to enter a monastery while the enemy were trying to cut him down. Although he was hit and fell to the ground, seriously wounded in the abdomen, he resumed his fire and fought his way to the monastery where he collapsed over his empty rifle in the hallway. Private First Class Bacon’s gallant actions gave his comrades the courage to rapidly enter and capture the building. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Bacon, 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.