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 Sylvester J. Beelman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy on 17 October 1944, in Italy. While advancing along a mountain path, Private First Class Beelman’s squad was subjected to heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire from the front and both flanks as well as shelling from a self-propelled gun to the rear. Pinned down and unable to move in either direction, and surrounded by an enemy force of approximate company strength, Private First Class Beelman volunteered to attempt to break through the ring of enemy steel to summon help. After receiving instructions from his squad leader, he moved out from his protected position to crawl through the furious hostile fire. He was killed a short time later by an enemy machine gun. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Beelman, 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.