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 Anselem R. Rumpca (ASN: 37250070), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the ***** Sector near *****, Normandy, France, 15 July 1944. Private Rumpca was a gunner in a 60-mm. mortar squad of Company C, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, participating in the initial attack of the First Battalion in the ***** Sector. The area was subjected to heavy concentrations of enemy small arms, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. At 0610 the entire gun crew with the exception of Private Rumpca was knocked out of action, and he himself received a severe wound in his left arm. Disregarding his wound, and the fact that he was the sole remaining member of the crew, he continued to fire the mortar until his ammunition was expended, then fired his pistol at the enemy until he was knocked unconscious by an enemy mortar shell. The courageous spirit of Private Rumpca, and his resolution to continue in action regardless of wounds or circumstances, reflects the highest credit upon the military service and entitles him to a place of distinction in the annals of fighting Infantrymen.