The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Hugh Voorhies, Jr. (ASN: 36613062), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Armored Division on 29 October 1944, in the vicinity of Castelaccio, Italy. Company B of an armored infantry battalion was engaged in dislodging the enemy from Castelaccio and the ridge above it. Private First Class Voorhies, a member of a rifle squad, was assigned the mission of clearing the town, with the aid of the remainder of his quad, which consisted of three men. On his own initiative, Private First Class Voorhies assumed command of the squad and proceeded unhesitatingly to the objective. By clearing them out of a building with hand grenades, he single-handedly took eight enemy prisoners. After having cleared the town, Private First Class Voorhies dug in a defensive position on the ridge northeast of Castelaccio on the left flank of the battalion position. Although the enemy counterattacked five times, Private First Class Voorhies successfully held the ground, the loss of which may well have meant the loss of the ridge. The courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Voorhies reflects great credit upon the armed forces and is worthy of the highest praise.