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 [then Staff Sergeant] H. L. Schmidt (ASN: 18080627), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. On 3 July 1944 when his Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant had become casualties and the platoon had become disorganized by heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Schmidt took command and reorganized the platoon. Sergeant Schmidt then advanced alone for 100 yards and personally knocked out two enemy machine gun nest with hand grenades. This feat so inspired the platoon that he was able to lead it forward and take a well organized enemy position. The meritorious leadership and initiative of Sergeant Schmidt enabled the entire battalion to advance to its objective.