The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Maurice H. Knott (ASN: 0-887569), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 9 March 1945. While he was with the leading elements of a rifle unit, fire from an enemy machine gun forced a light machine gun crew to abandon their weapon to escape the heavy fire. Lieutenant Knott, crawling so quickly and skillfully towards the American automatic weapon position that he was not noticed by the enemy crew who were firing in another direction, was able to throw a long and effective burst from the light machine gun which killed the enemy crew and relieved the pressure retarding the advance of the infantry company. 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 and the United States Army.