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 (Field Artillery), [then Second Lieutenant] Ben F. Mills (ASN: 0-531876), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 4 January 1945. For three days, all attempts of our infantry to secure a heavily-fortified road junction defended by six enemy tanks, six machine guns and infantry elements were repulsed with severe losses. On 4 January, Lieutenant Mills requested the withdrawal of friendly troops from the danger zone, crawled to within twenty-five yards of the hostile positions, and began the precision adjustment of a 155-mm. howitzer against the tanks, with only the profile of the ground as protection against intense enemy and friendly fire. After one tank had been destroyed and the remainder had withdrawn, the enemy launched a counterattack but was trapped by the accurate artillery fire with which Lieutenant Mills enveloped the unit, suffering heavy casualties. Our troops then gained their objective, capturing fifteen prisoners. Lieutenant Mills’ intrepidity, skill, and unselfish devotion to duty reflect high credit upon the military service.