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 Frank A. Karwel (ASN: 42008718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Karwel distinguished himself while serving as leader of a patrol which was entrusted with the mission of exchanging certain important information with the division on the flank. The patrol had almost succeeded in reaching its objective when its presence was discovered by enemy outposts, and immediately intense mortar and small arms fire was directed on their position. Staff Sergeant Karwel was seriously wounded. Knowing that he could not go on himself, he gave orders to his two lead scouts to avoid a fire fight and continue with the mission. The great courage and unselfish devotion to duty Staff Sergeant Karwel displayed in insisting that his men continue towards their objective despite his precarious position earned him the well deserved respect of his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Karwel, 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.