The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Albert M. Fenster (ASN: 0-389197), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 45th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 March 1945, in the vicinity of Surth, Germany. When the enemy launched a counterattack with infantrymen supported by four self-propelled guns, Captain Fenster advanced with his radio and directed artillery fire to within fifty yards of his exposed position, knocking out one enemy self-propelled gun and forcing the enemy to withdraw. His great courage and unselfish disregard for his personal safety enabled an infantry battalion to reorganize and completely rout the enemy. 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.