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 Enoch Yurkas (ASN: 33920883), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 18 February 1945, in the vicinity of Neunkirch, France. The company was attacking north of Neunkirch. The second platoon was held up by machine gun fire. Private First Class Yurkas, observing the situation, crawled approximately fifty yards toward the machine gun nest, raised himself within full view of the enemy, and threw a hand grenade into it. He then proceeded further into the woods and killed two enemy snipers. His aggressiveness diminished a source of dangerous enemy fire power. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Private First Class Yurkas reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.