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 Melvin A. Susienka (ASN: 37536529), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 31 March 1945 in Italy. Private First Class Susienka accompanied a combat patrol against well-entrenched and heavily fortified positions. The patrol had just gone over the bank of an enemy mined hill when they came under fire of enemy machine guns. As the patrol moved out again they were again fired upon, suffering one casualty. Private First Class Susienka crawled to a bomb crater and opened fire with his automatic rifle to divert the fire of the enemy. As the patrol moved out again, Private First Class Susienka succeeded in drawing the fire of five enemy machine guns upon his position. During the next attempt Private First Class Susienka succeeded in silencing one of the enemy machine guns, but the patrol was again forced to withdraw. When it was discovered that the supply of ammunition was running low it was decided to completely withdraw the patrol. Private First Class Susienka’s courage and devotion to duty in exposing himself to give covering fire to his comrades held the casualties at a minimum and reflects highly upon himself and the military service.