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 Staff Sergeant Omer L. Coats (ASN: 37491577), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 10 November 1944 in the vicinity of Basse Ham, France. During the advance in the town, Staff Sergeant Coats led a squad on a mission to attack an enemy machine gun position in a house. Halting the squad, Staff Sergeant Coats, at risk of his life, advanced alone through heavy enemy machine gun fire up to the house, threw a grenade through a window and killed the entire enemy gun crew. After entering he threw several grenades in the basement, killed another gun crew and captured 13 enemy soldiers. This action completely ended all enemy resistance in the town and secured the right flank for the Division’s ensuing advance. Staff Sergeant Coats’ gallantry was in accordance with high military traditions.