The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Henry V. Damm, Jr. (ASN: 32715973), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 731st Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 3 December 1944, in France. Private First Class Damm in an effort to better fortify the gun positions was hauling logs in his 3/4 ton vehicle to Gun Section Number 2. Though shells were landing in the area, Private First Class Damm worked continuously in an effort to complete the operation before serious damage could be caused to the gun and its crew. Many times he was forced to hit the ground to avoid being hit by flying shell fragments, but always he resumed his work. On what was to be his last load of logs, he was killed instantly, by an enemy shell as he stepped from his vehicle. His courageous action and devotion to duty throughout was an inspiration to the entire battery and aided materially in protecting his fellow soldiers and a valuable piece of equipment. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.