The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Herbert M. Pike, United States Army, for gallantry in action at Mortain, France, on 6 – 7 August 1944. On that date, the 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, occupied defensive positions on Hill 314 near Mortain, France, which commanded major routes of approach and supply. During the evening the German Army launched a vicious counterattack against the position. The right flank of the Battalion was protected by a road block manned by a rifle platoon. When the Germans probed the road block position in an attempt to break through the battalion defenses two additional rifle platoons were sent to reinforce the position. Lieutenant Pike volunteered to take command of the three rifle platoons. The position repeatedly came under heavy enemy artillery and small arms fire. Throughout the night Lieutenant Pike’s quick thinking under fire and utter disregard for his own safety contributed immeasurably to the Battalion’s successful defense. Lieutenant Pike’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.