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 First Class Martin C. Gere, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 6th Armored Division, in action in Germany on 31 March 1945. Several men in the infantry detachment in which Private First Class Gere was serving had lost their weapons in crossing a very swift and cold river. Private First Class Gere voluntarily made four trips to the friendly bank, returning each time with rifles and ammunition without which the men would have been in a very vulnerable position. This service evidences great courage, stamina, and devotion to duty and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.