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 Harry Urbanus (ASN: 36556137), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 8 November 1944. When his platoon sergeant had become a casualty, Sergeant Urbanus, a squad leader, assumed command of the platoon and, displaying outstanding qualities of daring and resourcefulness, led his men through the town of **** to gain their objective. Without thought for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy artillery, machine gun and aimed small arms fire during this operation to carry ammunition to his unit. His brilliant leadership and aggressive determination in moving through buildings known to be occupied by the enemy inspired the platoon to follow him confidently to a successful completion of its mission, and were responsible for the subsequent capture of a large number of prisoners. Sergeant Urbanus’ exemplary leadership and unselfish devotion to duty are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.