The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Howard W. Hicks, Jr. (ASN: 33365295), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Leading a squad forward to reestablish a roadblock, Sergeant Hicks’ group was suddenly engaged by intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Sergeant Hicks, accompanied by his lead scout, crawled forward in search of the enemy gun. As he moved forward Sergeant Hicks fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy in an attempt to discover the exact location of the machine gun. After locating it he silenced the gun with hand grenades and signaled his men forward. This gallant and courageous dead by Sergeant Hicks enabled his squad to accomplish its mission with a minimum of casualties. 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.