The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Edwin J. Kocinski (ASN: 36831137), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. While serving as Aid Man with Company M, during its attack on Hill 216, Technician Fifth Grade Kocinski continued to render gallantly his services, under heavy machine gun, machine pistol, rifle, mortar and artillery fire, over treacherous Schu-mine fields. With great risk to his own life and safety from exploding Schu-mines, he made repeated trips into the mine field to render aid when needed and return the severely wounded men to comparative safety. 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.