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 Gerard A. Hasper (ASN: 36874840), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 6 April 1945, in the vicinity of Herbolzheim, Germany. While awaiting evacuation for injuries resulting from an artillery burst, Sergeant Hasper organized a small group of men in a house that had been surrounded by counterattacking enemy. His group successfully repelled enemy attempts to take the house, so dissipating the enemy that they were forced to withdraw before an American counterattack four hours later. The intrepidity and gallantry with which Sergeant Hasper performed this heroic act were an inspiration to all those with him and are in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.