The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clemens J. Slepekis (ASN: 36238846), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Private First Class Slepekis, on duty with an artillery liaison party, accompanied the attacking company of infantry and tank destroyers on the mission of securing the towns of **** and ****, Belgium. Strong opposition was met by our forces and the leading tank destroyers were knocked out. Private First Class Slepekis, assisted by another member of the artillery liaison party, laid a vital line of communication over a distance of 2,000 meters, half of it through terrain in the process of being neutralized, and which was continuously under heavy fire from enemy artillery, machine guns, and small arms. Several times during the attack Private First Class Slepekis had to fight off enemy snipers with rifle fire, and although wounded by artillery fire, he continued to lay and service his line until the mission was accomplished. This gallant action not only provided communication for the artillery forward observer to render very close artillery support for the attacking infantry, but also kept the infantry headquarters informed, materially assisting in the accomplishment of the mission. 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.