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 Joseph S. Strucki (ASN: 32204667), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 24 February 1945. When his platoon received fire from an enemy machine gun position, Sergeant Strucki, after placing his men in position with definite fire orders for covering support, succeeded in reaching a point about twenty-five yards from the gun position. He then threw two accurately placed hand grenades which killed two of the enemy. Aggressively charging the strongpoint, Sergeant Strucki enabled his platoon to continue toward its objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Strucki, 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.