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 Herbert R. Trapp (ASN: 36158133), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Service Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action in the area of Stavelot, Belgium, on 18 December 1944. With their fuel dumps captured or destroyed and gasoline fast running out, the fighting power of the battalion was seriously threatened. Although it meant traveling through enemy-held areas, Staff Sergeant Trapp volunteered to lead a convoy in securing the vital fuel. Learning of a dump at Spa, he took his trucks there, despite warnings of German action in the vicinity. While they were loading up, the enemy attacked, raking the area with small arms fire. Realizing the prime importance of their mission, Staff Sergeant Trapp and his men completed their job in the face of gunfire and flames that threatened to blow up the stores. On the return trip, the convoy narrowly missed encounter with hostile troops five times. Despite the odds against him Staff Sergeant Trapp brought back all the men and vehicles entrusted to him and the fuel to power the unit’s armor in its epic stand against the Germans. His high courage and ability in the performance of an important and hazardous assignment reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. .