The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Herbert E. Berner, United States Army, for gallantry in action in Germany on 5 April 1945. While leading a platoon on a reconnaissance mission, Sergeant Berner disregarded fire from an enemy tank to capture a town and five prisoners. He then proceeded to another town where he took 11 more prisoners after killing one soldier and wounding another. Upon his return he advised artillery observers of the presence of the enemy tank and deliberately drove his vehicle in its direction to draw its fire, with the result that its exact position was revealed and American Artillery destroyed it. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.