The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert M. Kimball, Jr. (ASN: 0-1304909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 and 10 January 1945, in Behain, Belgium. Lieutenant Kimball led his company, which was less than one-third its normal strength, into Behain against intense sniper fire and fanatical resistance. The operation was conducted under the most unfavorable weather conditions and with only one night of rest in the preceding seven days. Lieutenant Kimball had declined evacuation because of frozen feet the preceding night. He led the company and secured the first group of houses and held them until the following morning. He then led the first elements of his men over an open field exposed to enemy fire and halting short of cover himself, he held down a broken fence while he directed his men across the fence into the comparative safety of a barn. Still disregarding his personal safety, Lieutenant Kimball led his men forward and entered a house not yet clear of the enemy. As he entered an enemy sniper in the house shot and mortally wounded him. His outstanding personal courage, leadership and initiative reflects great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.