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 Valentine F. Zimniewicz (ASN: 32037035), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 108th Field Artillery Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany, on 2 and 3 November 1944. Sergeant Zimniewicz was serving as driver and assistant to the Forward Observer of his artillery battery which was supporting the 1st Battalion. 109th Infantry Regiment, in an attack on the enemy on 2 November 1944. During the attack, he and a companion laid wire from the Command Post to the Forward Observation Post. After the Battalion had reached its objective, Sergeant Zimniewicz advanced under enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire to a forward observation point and assisted in relaying messages to a radio operator in order to bring artillery fire on numerous defensive zones and enemy mortars which were firing effectively on friendly infantry units. He remained in the proximity of the right flank of the main line of defense that night, under continuous enemy artillery and mortar fire. On the morning of 3 November 1944, the enemy counterattacked with heavy concentrations of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire and succeeded in infiltrating the right flank the Battalion’s lines. Sergeant Zimniewicz was surrounded by the enemy, along with 15 or 20 infantrymen. To avoid capture he instructed his comrades to head for the rear lines and covered their withdrawal with protecting fire from his weapon. His action permitted the men to reach a friendly unit and continue fighting. After his ammunition was expended, he cleverly withdrew, and proceeding to the rear informed the Battalion Command Post of the hazardous situation. His timely information permitted the reinforcement of the endangered units and resulted in the successful repelling of the enemy counterattack. By his gallantry, personal daring, and outstanding devotion to duty, Sergeant Zimniewicz reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States.