The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Cavalry) Rollin Thomas Steinmetz, Jr. (ASN: 0-24720), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Cavalry Group (Mechanized), TWELFTH U.S. Army Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 2 April 1945, in Germany. Major Steinmetz volunteered to lead a task force in the relief of the Headquarters and Rear Echelon of the 2d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, who had been attacked by the 6th SS Mountain Division, strength about 3,000. With two tanks and the Security Platoon of Group Headquarters, Major Steinmetz moved swiftly to the threatened point, attacked the enemy column on his flank and stopped his advance. Despite heavy enemy fire, which in one instance pierced his clothing and inflicted a slight wound, he remained continuously with his advanced elements and succeeded in conjunction with a battalion of Infantry, which had come up in support, in driving the enemy from the town. His personal courage, leadership and coolness in a position of great danger was a large factor in the repulse of the enemy attack and was above and beyond the normal call of duty of a staff officer. His audacity and leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.