The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Harvey J. Krout, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with an Infantry Medical Detachment of the NINTH Army in Germany, on 23 February 1945. When casualties became heavy, Technician Fifth Grade Krout unhesitatingly moved over shell swept and heavily mined terrain to administer first aid to the wounded men. Organizing litter squads he led them to stricken comrades and insured prompt evacuation. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.