The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Andrew J. Vasko (ASN: 35284748), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 26 – 27 January 1945 near Neubourg, France. While acting as a forward observer, Sergeant Vasko’s observation post was surrounded by an enemy patrol. When he refused to leave the building, the Germans attacked with grenades, blowing off the door and throwing grenades inside the building. The patrol then stormed the house firing with machine pistols. Sergeant Vasko made a dash for the second floor, returning the fire as he moved. The hostile patrol finally withdrew to a nearby building where they directed artillery fire on the observation post by flares. Sergeant Vasko nevertheless remained at his post, holding off the enemy until relieved by friendly troops. Through his outstanding courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty, Sergeant Vasko was responsible for one enemy killed and one wounded and made possible the continuous close support of the Infantry by cannon fire.