The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Malcolm M. Gerlach, Jr. (ASN: 13086443), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 4 January 1945, at Wingen, France. When his outpost was attacked by a superior enemy force, he manned a machine gun, covered the withdrawal of his comrades, and contributed his point-blank fire until killed. Private Gerlach’s gallant actions enabled his company to reform and later recaptured the town.