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 Frank A. Chmielewski (ASN: 32493363), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 21 February 1945 near Althorn, France. Leading a reconnaissance patrol, Corporal Chmielewski stepped on a Schu mine, severely injuring his foot. The enemy immediately opened fire with two machine guns, holding up the patrol. Noticing one man who had been hit by machine gun fire, Corporal Chmielewski crawled to him, intending to administer first aid, but discovered he was dead. Corporal Chmielewski then directed the remaining men to return to their own lines and began making his own way there. After crawling 100 yards he was unable to proceed further because of his mangled foot. He paused to cut the remainder of his foot away and resumed crawling until assisted by men from his own lines. By his courage and unselfish actions, Corporal Chmielewski prevented heavy casualties in his patrol.