The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Howard E. Kasten (ASN: 0-1306852), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 4 December 1944 in France. Lieutenant Kasten was leading his infantry rifle platoon in an assault on enemy machine gun emplacements in France. The focal point of enemy resistance was a farm house. All avenues of approach to this position offered neither cover or concealment, and the advance of the platoon was temporarily delayed. Lieutenant Kasten, with utter disregard for his own safety, personally assaulted the farmhouse, over an open field and directly in the face of the machine gun fire. Hurling hand grenades, he silenced one of the enemy emplacements before he was mortally wounded. Unable to continue, he lay on the ground, calling to his platoon to continue the attack, and directing them as they passed his position. The personal bravery, aggressiveness, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kasten were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.