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) Hanz K. Druener (ASN: 0-1323673), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Druener’s platoon had the mission of attacking towards **** thereby drawing out enemy fire to facilitate large scale attacks on his platoon’s flanks. Although recent casualties had left his platoon far under-strength, First Lieutenant Druener led it aggressively and by brilliant leadership and skillful maneuvering, he reached the town of **** approximately thirty minutes before adjacent forward elements closed in. The speed and drive of his platoon’s attack overran numerous positions. Approximately forty enemy were killed or wounded, and an additional forty-eight surrendered to First Lieutenant Druener whose loud and clear exhortations in German convinced them that further resistance was useless. This unusually high toll of enemy was gained with a minimum of casualties. First Lieutenant Druener’s personal leadership and relentless aggressiveness resulted in the perfect accomplishment of the platoon mission. 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 and the United States Army.