The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Herman M. Volheim (ASN: 0-24593), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 – 22 January 1944, in the vicinity of San Angelo, Italy. Captain Volheim’s battalion was given the mission of attacking well-prepared and defended German positions across the Rapido River. As soon as the first wave crossed the river, intense machine gun fire was encountered. Captain Volheim, in order to establish a position for the battalion command post, went forward with the front line elements of the battalion. Darkness had fallen and visibility became very poor. Exposed to intense mortar and machine gun fire, Captain Volheim crossed flat and heavily mined terrain to aid in the reorganization of the companies and to give instructions to those who were lost. As one company advanced, barbed wire entanglements were encountered on the German main line of resistance. Captain Volheim crawled forward through intense small arms fire and cut the barbed wire to allow the company to advance. He then proceeded back across the heavily mined terrain, re-crossed the river, and led the reserve battalion across the river to its position. Captain Volheim’s aggressive leadership, calmness under fire, and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who witnessed his heroic actions, and his performance reflects the high traditions of the Armed Forces.