The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Lloyd B. Oczkewicz (ASN: 39384445), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 9 January 1945, at Hatten, France, while acting as forward observer for his section in the center of the battalion’s main line of resistance, Sergeant Oczkewicz stayed at his post adjusting both mortar and artillery fire coolly and skillfully and as the enemy approached called for fire on his own position. He continued adjusting fire behind him even after the Germans had overrun his position and was reported missing in action. As a result of his action, numerous casualties were inflicted on the enemy, their attack slowed, and their penetration was delayed until a counter attack could be launched.