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 Staff Sergeant Harold E. Hudson (ASN: 20726593), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 1 October 1944. After an enemy counterattack had forced his mortar section to withdraw, Sergeant Hudson, a squad leader, established a new position, after which, assisted by another noncommissioned offer, he attempted to return to the previous position in order to recover the weapons carrier and other valuable equipment. He was wounded by mortar fire, but determinedly continued on his mission. Reaching his destination, Sergeant Hudson and his companion were driving the vehicle from the area when enemy tank fire killed him and his companion. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Hudson, his fortitude and devotion to duty, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.