The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Hewitt A. Schoonover (ASN: 15360946), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 422d Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, on 16 December 1944, in Germany. Knowing that the enemy had cut the only remaining road to his regimental command post, Corporal Schoonover volunteered to drive through the enemy lines in an attempt to deliver an urgent message to surrounded friendly forces. In his attempted breakthrough he was captured and wounded but later, under cover of darkness, escaped from his captors and successfully reached his regimental commander with the message. The heroic actions of Corporal Schoonover reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.