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 Harold W. Munson (ASN: 36753082), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 40th Infantry Division, on 16 December 1944, in Belgium. Private Munson voluntarily accompanied a medical aid man in order to cover him as he advanced toward a wounded forward observer. At great personal risk, he crossed three hundred yards of fire-swept terrain and protected the aid man as he administered medical treatment to the wounded soldier. Private Munson displayed courage and valor on two other occasions by advancing through devastating artillery and small arms fire to protect an aid man who crossed dangerously near enemy positions to reach wounded soldiers.