Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Matthew F. Bielski, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on February 2, 1944 in Italy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2nd Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3rd Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 2, 1944

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 134 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Matthew F. Bielski, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 February 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy. Private Bielski and another rifleman broke up an enemy attack that threatened to wipe out their company. By means of a connecting ditch, the enemy infiltrated a strong force into a gully 50 yards from Company F’s position, cutting off one platoon and repelling two counterattacks with heavy loss to our troops. Private Bielski and his comrade ran across 50 yards of intervening ground to the gully and pinned 40 Germans down by deadly rifle fire. With the enemy only 7 to 25 yards away, firing at them with numerous automatic weapons and rifles, Private Bielski and the other rifleman killed 12 Germans and forced the surrender of 28 more. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Bielski, 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.