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 Corporal Henry A. Houle (ASN: 12005532), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, on 30 April 1943. Displaying extreme coolness and courage under fire, Corporal Houle led his mortar squad through heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire and chose positions from which he could observe enemy movements. When his company was ordered to withdraw, Corporal Houle remained in a forward position and directed a covering fire until he was mortally wounded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.