Gerard A. Hasper

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gerard A. Hasper, 36874840, Staff Sergeant, Infantry, Company “F”, 253d Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 6 April 1945, in the vicinity of Herbolzheim, Germany. While awaiting evacuation for injuries resulting from an artillery burst, Sergeant Hasper organized a small group of men in a house that had been surrounded by counter-attacking enemy. His group successfully repelled enemy attempts to take the house, so dissipating the enemy so that they were forced to withdraw before an American counter-attack four hours later. The intrepidity and gallantry with which Sergeant Hasper performed this heroic act were an inspiration to all those with him and are in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.