The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Mike Zabek (ASN: 0-2010781), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 4 April 1945, in Wurzburg, Germany. During the fierce fighting for Wurzburg, Germany, Lieutenant Zabek’s rifle platoon encountered an enemy strongpoint in the city park. Realizing the importance of a quick assault, he quickly reorganized his forces and placed his machine gunners in position. Lieutenant Zabek then ran forward alone through the murderous hail of enemy machine gun, machine pistol, and small arms fire, throwing grenades as he ran and shouting for his men to follow. He alone killed five of the enemy, captured nine, and knocked out an enemy machine gun nest. Lieutenant Zabek’s display of indomitable courage was an inspiration to his men to follow him, and the enemy strongpoint was soon neutralized.