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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 Tony Sawicky (ASN: 42130200), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 February 1945, in Germany. When his company was pinned down by intense and accurate tank and machine gun fire and he noticed a heavy enemy artillery piece being loaded, Sergeant Sawicky gallantly rose in the face of the enemy fire and advanced to within fifty yards of the piece. Although the enemy fire was now concentrated on him, he coolly launched a round from his bazooka which destroyed the gun and completely demoralized its crew, killing one and causing the others to withdraw in panic. Sergeant Sawicky’s heroic action prevented numerous casualties being suffered by his company. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Sawicky, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 14, 1945
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 217 (November 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Tony Sawicky (ASN: 42130200), 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. Sergeant Sawicky and a comrade volunteered to remain in the path of an overwhelming enemy counterattack to direct artillery fire on the enemy troops. Despite the grave danger of drawing fire on their position, he gallantly called for artillery fire on a tank only twenty yards from his position and forced it to fall back. Sergeant Sawicky’s heroic actions enabled his battalion to withdraw in full control. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Sawicky, 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.