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 Levi H. Van Der Kolk (ASN: 36196102), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 September 1944, in Holland. Private First Class Van Der Kolk was serving as a rifleman with the Headquarters of an Infantry Battalion. The enemy concentrated heavy artillery fire in the area occupied by the organization, which endangered the lives of several civilian children who became panic-stricken and failed to seek shelter. At great risk to his life, Private First Class Van Der Kolk left his foxhole, dashed across an area in which shells continued to fall and carried a child to safety. His gallant deed is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.