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 Staff Sergeant Harry M. Shevchik (ASN: 36009892), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, near Torre Iussi, Italy. During an attack on a mountain village, Staff Sergeant Shevchik led one squad of the assaulting platoon. When the advance was slowed by a terrific mortar, machine gun, and sniper fire, and his automatic rifleman was wounded, he immediately picked up the BAR and aggressively dashed ahead of his men, laying down a terrific hail of fire on the enemy positions which allowed his squad to move forward. Then he led them in the final assault of the village, braving the deadliest fire to rally his men onward, until he was struck by a burst of fire from an enemy machine gun, which killed him almost instantly. His gallant leadership inspired his men to fight on until they had won their objective. By his heroic conduct during the battle and his splendid sacrifice, Staff Sergeant Shevchik has won undying fame in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.