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 (Field Artillery) Rex E. Hazen (ASN: 0-1165397), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 April 1945, in ****, Germany. Lieutenant Hazen, an artillery observer, accompanied Company A when it crossed the Rhine River and captured the town of ****. When the Company was subjected to a fierce enemy counterattack in battalion strength supported by two tanks, he expertly directed supporting artillery fire which helped stall the attack. After regrouping, the enemy again attacked, overran Lieutenant Hazen’s position and knocked out his radio. He evaded the enemy, reached the Command Post and continued to direct artillery fire with the Company radio until the Company had successfully withdrawn from the town. Lieutenant Hazen was the last to leave the position, and brought twenty men safely across the River. By his extreme devotion to duty, his courage and skillful direction of supporting artillery fire, he contributed materially to the casualties inflicted on strong enemy forces by Company A in its foray across the Rhine. Throughout the engagement Lieutenant Hazen’s actions exemplified the high traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.