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 Gerald E. Langen (ASN: 36027240), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 13 March 1944. Technical Sergeant Langen distinguished himself by bold aggressive action during a counterattack on four Japanese pillboxes. During the action he destroyed on strongpoint by throwing four well-aimed hand grenades inside it, killing the occupants. Later, Sergeant Langen, in the face of heavy enemy fire, crawled into the open to rescue a wounded officer and soldier, preventing them from falling into enemy hands. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Langen, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.