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 Eugene F. Merschman (ASN: 37587265), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, in Germany. When the enemy counterattacked a town occupied by his company the personnel took shelter in cellars and remained undetected. When a route of escape was found a smoke barrage was called for by radio and under this concealment the company began to move through the town toward friendly lines. While proceeding down a street a group of enemy soldiers led by an officer was sighted. Private First Class Merschman boldly ran forward and covered the enemy officer as he was about to signal his men. When his company had succeeded in leaving the area, Private First Class Merschman commanded the enemy officer to come forward and took him prisoner. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Merschman, 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.