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 Otis W. Horton (ASN: 34099749), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 2 February 1945, near *****, Germany. During an attack upon the fortifications of the Siegfried Line, Sergeant Horton assumed command of two leaderless platoons and led them in a successful assault upon the enemy. Hard pressed by counter-attacks, he refused a demand for surrender and directed a savage attack upon the Germans. The courageous aggressiveness, high qualities of leadership and initiative displayed by Sergeant Horton were dominant factors in the success of the penetration of the Siegfried Line and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.