The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Michael J. Durik (ASN: 35010757), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily. On ** July 1943, while the 15th Infantry Regiment was preparing to attack *****, Sicily, artillery fire fell killing two men and wounded five others. The casualties were evacuated by medical aid men except for one whose wounds were such that a transfusion was necessary to save his life. Staff Sergeant Durik with two other aid men as assisting a medical officer in administering blood plasma to the wounded man when machine gun fire was directed at the group from an enemy gun emplaced 400 yards away. In spite of his vulnerability to the fire, lack of cover, and a necessary kneeling position, Staff Sergeant Durik calmly continued his work with enemy machine gun fire landing within a radius of five yards about him. After being exposed to this fire for ten minutes and upon direction of the medical officer, Staff Sergeant Durik assisted in carrying the wounded man one hundred and fifty yards under fire to safety. The bravery and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Durik materially assisted in saving the wounded man’s life and was an inspiration to all who witnessed the act.