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 Hendrick A. Wansink (ASN: 6142360), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 70th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, on 19 July 1943. When he learned that remnants of an enemy infantry battalion had moved into a farm house and nearby caves atop a steep mountain and were halting the advance of our infantry, Sergeant Wansink organized a small patrol and established an excellent observation post from which he directed effective fire upon the enemy. This action, at the cost of his life, compelled the complete withdrawal of these enemy forces. Staff Sergeant Wansink’s 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.