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 Chester Sobkiewicz (ASN: 32685624), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 October 1944, in Germany. Private First Class Sobkiewicz was assigned to duty with a tank battalion and was serving as a member of a tank crew engaged in an attack toward an enemy-held village. When the tank received a direct hit from an enemy gun and had to be abandoned, it was discovered that one of the crew members had been severely wounded and could not be evacuated, due to the heavy enemy fire which was falling in the area. After first aid had been administered, Private First Class Sobkiewicz elected to remain with the wounded man, and courageously stayed with him although enemy counterattacks in the area were so violent that enemy infantry at one time penetrated to within twenty-five yards from his refuge. After the fury of the attack had abated, Private First Class Sobkiewicz, with help of another soldier, evacuated his wounded comrade to safety. Private First Class Sobkiewicz had remained for more than six hours enduring every danger of combat in order to give assistance and encouragement to his comrade-in-arms. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Sobkiewicz, 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.