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 Andrew D. Kloke (ASN: 35495320), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 July 1944, in France. Private First Class Kloke was assigned to duty as a truck driver with an infantry organization which was attacked by a hostile force of great strength, spearheaded with tanks. Due to the surprise and ferocity of the enemy thrust, a field in which several of our vehicles were parked was suddenly raked with direct close-range fire from tanks and small arms. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Kloke ran to his vehicle and succeeded in driving it out of the field of fire to safety. Not content with this heroic act, he returned to the field, and got into the cab of another truck, still under direct observed fire by the enemy, and attempted to drive it to safety also. During this latter attempt, Private First Class Kloke lost his life. The personal bravery and determined devotion to duty exhibited by Private First Class Kloke reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.