The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Bert Howard Armstrong (ASN: 39929098), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 16 January 1945. Sergeant Armstrong moved at least fifty yards ahead of his entire platoon advancing toward wooded enemy positions, supported by tanks. Disregarding intense fire from the front and flank, he killed an enemy soldier who was attempting to retard his unit, led the attack through the woods, personally captured sixteen Germans, and enabled his platoon to reach its objective with only two casualties. He then displayed outstanding qualities of leadership in assisting his platoon sergeant in reorganizing the platoon and establishing defensive positions. His intrepidity, resourcefulness and exemplary devotion to duty are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.