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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), Henry L. Peterson (ASN: 0-1018916), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 27 February 1945. When enemy action destroyed the communications of his control tank, Lieutenant Peterson, commanding an attacking tank platoon, jumped to the ground, and in the face of withering enemy fire, ran across open terrain to a position from which he directed the maneuvering of his armored unit by hand and arm signals. He remained at his precarious post even after he had been wounded, and was largely responsible for the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. His intrepid devotion to duty is in accord with the military traditions of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1945
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 34 (May 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Henry L. Peterson (ASN: 0-1018916), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 5 March 1945. Lieutenant Peterson directed the fire of his tank in destroying two enemy guns as he led his platoon to the approaches of **** where he dismounted his tank and proceeded into the town on foot to make a reconnaissance. He was fired upon by snipers, whereupon he procured a German bazooka and fired it into the house used by the snipers, effectively silencing them. Returning to his tank, Lieutenant Peterson led his tank platoon into the town. When a well-concealed anti-tank gun fired at point blank range, knocking out his tank, he jumped into a trench where he encountered six enemy soldiers. He killed one and wounded two, forcing the remainder to flee. Lieutenant Peterson covered the withdrawal of his crew to the platoon position. Although wounded while rejoining his platoon, Lieutenant Peterson secured infantry support, returned to the town, set up a defense perimeter, and directed his troops in repulsing a sharp counterattack that night. His dynamic leadership, fortitude and zealous devotion to duty honor his character as an officer and leader of men.