The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Louie T. Rawls (ASN: 0-537446), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 405th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Jerggan, Germany, on 14 April 1945. Performing his duties as a Cannon Platoon Commander and forward observer, Captain Rawls displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While in a convoy which was halted on the road, he improvised a rifle platoon of cannoneers and other members of the convoy, attacked, and destroyed a strategically located and dangerous enemy ambush, thereby saving the lives of many of his comrades in the convoy and of personnel following in their wake. The forethought, good judgment, exemplary leadership in battle, and the courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Rawls in the performance of his heroic act, reflects the greatest credit upon himself and the military service.