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 [then Private First Class] Louis G. Hites (ASN: 33272952), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 9th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. On 17 November 1943, near Mignano, Italy, Technician Fifth Grade Hites, of his own volition, completely ignored the slashing fragmentation of 150-mm. shells bursting in his battery’s area at the rate of three rounds per minute. Although enemy projectiles shattered the earth within twenty-five yards of him and despite the death of one comrade and the injury of another a few minutes earlier in the radio car he occupied, Technician Fifth Grade Hites seized the microphone and calmly continued the transmissions necessary to complete a counter-battery mission upon enemy artillery. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.