The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Stanley J. Wilk (ASN: 42091726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On that date, in an attack upon the enemy, the assault platoon to which Private First Class Wilk was assigned as a rifleman, was temporarily delayed in advancing by fire from a well camouflaged machine gun to the immediate flank, which resulted in the wounding of both the platoon leader and platoon sergeant. Without hesitation, Private First Class Wilk assumed command of the platoon and deployed the riflemen into positions of cover. He then personally and voluntarily, with utter disregard for his own safety, continued in the face of the raking fire to a position from where he threw a hand grenade which destroyed the machine gun and killed one of the crew. Capturing the remaining two enemy soldiers, he returned with the prisoners, reorganized the platoon and proceeded in the assault. The bravery, aggressiveness, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Wilk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.