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 Martin Mackey (ASN: 6548900), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945, near Reipertsweiler, France. When his platoon leader was wounded and accompanying rifle troops were pinned down by intense hostile fire, Sergeant Mackey maneuvered his heavy machine gun section into a position from which fire could be brought upon the enemy positions. Although his guns were in full view of the enemy and heavy fire was directed upon them, they were so coolly and skillfully handled by Sergeant Mackey that the enemy weapons were silenced or neutralized permitting the rifle troops to advance and seize their objective. The coolness and courage of Sergeant Mackey made possible the success of this assault with minimum casualties.