The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant David L. Luikart (ASN: 34793005), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company L, 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 6 March 1945. During a fierce enemy counterattack on Lampaden, Germany, Sergeant Luikart constantly exposed himself to intense hostile fire in order to direct return fire on advancing enemy tanks and infantry. Shouting encouragement to his men and inspiring them by his fearless leadership, he disabled an enemy tank with rocket fire, assisted in the rescue of two wounded comrades from a burning room and directed such an aggressive defense of his position that the enemy was forced to withdraw in disorder, suffering heavy casualties. Sergeant Luikart’s heroic actions and unflinching devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.