The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Matthew G. Vesel (ASN : 33418871), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 October 1944, in Germany. When his company received a heavy counterattack, Staff Sergeant Vesel held off a numerically superior enemy force consisting of two tanks, five other vehicles, and accompanying infantrymen. When the ammunition for his rifle was exhausted, Staff Sergeant Vesel obtained a bazooka and advanced alone to a position from which he scored two hits on one of the vehicles so that the enemy became frightened and withdrew. By his aggressive action, Staff Sergeant Vesel made an important contribution to the success of a tactical operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Vesel, 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.