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 Fred J. Hebein (ASN: 36251281), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944 at ****, Holland. During the attack on ****, Private First Class Hebein, Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, showed great spirit and determination. When he observed several Germans in the adjoining field he shot one in the act of firing upon his platoon leader. With utter disregard for the enemy small arms fire he raced to a nearby foxhole where he killed two more. He saw enemy troops firing from a nearby window and ran across an open yard to the house and threw a Gammon Grenade through the window which wounded several and caused the rest to surrender. During the attack on ****, Private First Class Hebein brought up a heavy French Machine Gun and placed it on a ridge overlooking the Waal River. From this position he riddled German positions around the bridge. While in this position he observed a platoon of Germans withdrawing in column. He brought devastating fire from his machine gun upon them, and killed and wounded a large percentage of the enemy. By his determination and gallant actions, Private First Class Hebein materially aided his company and lived up to the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.