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 Lawrence R. Zintel (ASN: 35920049), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 September 1944 in France. During an attack on a town, the 1st Platoon was halted by intense machine gun and rifle fire from a ridge on the right flank, and six men were wounded. Without hesitation Private First Class Zintel ran 50 yards to an exposed position and opened fire with his rifle on the hostile force. As enemy bullets struck around him he maintained his fire and neutralized the hostile fire sufficiently to enable his comrades to remove the wounded and move to better defensive positions. As he attempted to rejoin his platoon, he was seriously wounded by machine gun bullets. His gallant and aggressive action enabled his comrades to withdraw from an untenable area to positions from which they were able to launch a successful attack on the town. His 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, his unit, and the United States Army.