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 Andrew E Baranchik (ASN: 35378200), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action on 17 February 1944 near Aprilia, Italy. Staff Sergeant Baranchik, squad leader, was leading his squad into position against a counterattacking force when severely wounded by an enemy hand grenade. Despite his wounds, he placed his squad in position to place effective fire on the advancing enemy. He continued to move about exposing himself as he commanded his squad. He yielded to evacuation only after ensuring himself that the counterattack had been successfully repulsed. Staff Sergeant Baranchik’s gallantry and leadership reflect high credit on the Armed Forces.