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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Herman T. Vander Laan (ASN: 0-887619), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 December 1944 in the vicinity of Dillingen, Germany. When intense fire from two pillboxes temporarily halted the advance of a company, First Lieutenant Vander Laan skillfully led his platoon around one of the fortifications and successfully captured it along with 18 enemy. Again pinned down by machine gun fire from a position outside of the second pillbox, he, at risk of his life, crawled to within 20 feet of the fortification and with accurate carbine fire killed the machine gun crew. Although First Lieutenant Vander Laan was mortally wounded by sniper fire while in prosecution of his courageous act, the capture of the pillbox and its 23 occupants was subsequently accomplished with a minimum of casualties. 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.