The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Harlan Nelson Hartness, United States Army, for gallantry in action, while serving as Assistant Commanding General of the 26th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. Brigadier General Hartness was with the advancing infantry and, at a critical point in the battle his men were held up by fierce enemy resistance. He ordered his driver to travel along a dangerously narrow road through a forest which the Germans were attempting to blast with 88s. He dismounted and proceeded on foot through an area that had not been cleared of the enemy, reaching the temporary observation post of one of his infantry battalions. Under a heavy barrage of mortar shells which were exploding, the battalion command group was forced to take cover. Brigadier General Hartness aided his battalion commanding officer in carrying out the attack and the battalion captured its objective. Brigadier General Hartness then proceeded in his vehicle to the command post of another battalion and worked his way to the observation post. Again his tactical advice and grasp of the situation resulted in successful attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Hartness, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.