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 Maxwell Hammond, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 January 1945, in Belgium. Encountering an enemy strong point, Private First Class Hammond’s platoon was unable to continue its advance. Private First Class Hammond and a comrade undertook to destroy the impeding machine gun position. Under cover of his comrade, one Hammond crawled to the rear of the machine gun nest and with hand grenades wiped out the nest. He killed and wounded two of the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Hammond, 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.