The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Bernard J. Pufahl (ASN: 36306211), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action on 14 and 15 April 1945, near Torre Iussi, Italy. During the attack on a strongly defended mountain village, an infantry platoon was pinned down by heavy machine gun and sniper fire. Unwilling to halt his advance, Sergeant Pufahl braved the deadliest enemy action to dash forward to a commanding knoll, from where he laid down accurate automatic rifle fire on the enemy, which soon silenced the hostile machine gun, allowing the advance to continue. Later when the platoon was forced to withdraw due to heavy artillery fire, he stayed to cover the movement with fire from his BAR, allowing his comrades to disengage from the action with a minimum of casualties. Throughout the battle, his gallant courage and aggressiveness were an inspiration to all who witnessed his heroic deeds, and Sergeant PUFAHL has truly earned illustrious fame in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.