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 Emil J. Kranjec (ASN: 33308443), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 July 1944, in France. When his company was halted and pinned down by heavy fire from enemy small arms and mortars, Sergeant Kranjec volunteered to lead a patrol in an attempt to flank and eliminate the enemy position. When the patrol came under intense enemy fire and sustained casualties, Sergeant Kranjec seized the rifle of a wounded man and charged the enemy position. Firing as he advanced he completely neutralized the machine-gun emplacement, taking several prisoners and allowing the company to continue the attack. The courageous leadership and unusual devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kranjec reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.