The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Percy L. Newhouse (ASN: 37081834), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 315th Engineer Combat Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in action on 10 and 11 November 1944, in the vicinity of Basse Ham, France. During the attack, Sergeant Newhouse led a demolition squad on a mission of destroying strongpoints in the enemy-held Grand Fortress de Koenigamacher. At risk of his life, Sergeant Newhouse carried demolition charges through areas subjected to intense enemy fire of various calibers and, while in direct view of the enemy, placed and ignited charges which destroyed the protective design of the fort. After the Fort had been taken, Sergeant Newhouse discovered an enemy minefield. After reporting its location, he personally led an infantry company through it and enabled them to move on to their next objective. Sergeant Newhouse’s courage and excellent leadership materially aided the infantry’s rapid penetration into enemy territory. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.