The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Herman A. LaKamp (ASN: 36052874), 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. Technician Fifth Grade LaKamp, realizing that his position in a monastery was untenable, ordered his men to withdraw with several of the wounded while he remained to hold off the enemy. Fighting savagely from room to room, he killed five of the enemy and knocked out one machine gun, so demoralizing them that they withdrew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade LaKamp, 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.