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 Michael C. Fastner (ASN: 6933149), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 15 January 1945, near Haguenau, France, while acting as assistant patrol leader of a combat patrol, in order to determine the disposition of enemy personnel and weapons and with utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Fastner advanced directly upon a known enemy position, drawing fire upon himself as a result of which an enemy outpost was located. This information proved of great value in the formulation of future operations in the sector. Sergeant Fastner failed to return from his mission and was reported missing in action.