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 Billy G. Hahnen (ASN: 20651401), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 16 June 1944 near St. Sauveur Le Vicomte, France. Private First Class Hahnen with one other enlisted man volunteered and set up a tank trap at the underpass on the western side of St. Sauveur Le Vicomte, France. The town had just been entered and was under a counter-attack by Germans supported by tanks. As the first tank approached the underpass, Private First Class Hahnen although exposed to rifle and machine gun fire from across the railroad tracks, remained in position and scored two direct hits that partially disabled an enemy tank. With only two rounds of ammunition left, and under strafing by German planes, Private First Class Hahnen remained in position and contributed materially to preventing the movement of other tanks along the road. 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.