The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Hilmar R. Bruggeman (ASN: 19179195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 November 1944 in France. During an attack on the enemy, Sergeant Bruggeman, accompanied by three comrades, voluntarily and with utter disregard for his own safety, proceeded in the face of enemy fire in an attempt to evacuate the wounded. After his vehicle was disabled by enemy shell fire he ran and crawled over the battle area to rescue and remove all casualties to a place of safety. As darkness fell, despite the intense enemy fire, he assisted in the successful evacuation of the injured. The bravery, initiative, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Bruggeman were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.