Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 418 (December 22, 1945)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Norbert Jirasek (ASN: 6224961), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action in the Southwest Pacific Area on 29 January 1942. Assigned to duty with the 2d Observation Squadron, (C & D), 27th Bombardment Group (Light), Far East Air Force, then fighting as an Infantry unit. Sergeant Jirasek was serving with a reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Orian, Bataan, Philippine Islands, when a numerically superior Japanese force suddenly attacked the patrol with devastating fire, necessitating and immediate withdrawal. Discovering their commander had been wounded and left in the enemy area, Sergeant Jirasek, accompanied by a fellow soldier, voluntarily braved the enemy barrage and, under covering fire of his patrol re-entered the scene of action and succeeded in rescuing his fallen leader. Through his outstanding courage, determination, and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Jirasek made possible the rescue of his Commanding Officer and set an example of heroism worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.