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 Walter J. Czarnik (ASN: 36966368), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 16 April 1945 near Perbach, Germany. When his Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon was ambushed by superior enemy forces, Private Czarnik leaped from his vehicle and with utter disregard for his own safety, returned the fire. Observing that two soldiers were wounded, he crossed the open terrain and carried one man to his vehicle. He then returned and aided the second injured man to the vehicle which withdrew from the area. As a result of Private Czarnik’s indomitable courage and selfless devotion to duty, his platoon was able to take up a defensive position and two injured comrades were promptly evacuated to receive critically needed medical attention.