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 Gerard J. Slania (ASN: 36831967), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 March 1945, in Germany. During an advance Staff Sergeant Slania fired a phosphorous grenade on an enemy machine gun which had killed two men of his squad but was unable to hit it. Disregarding the enemy fire now centered on him, he moved close to the position where he fired another grenade, hitting the gun and knocking it out. The four enemy manning the machine gun fled but were captured when Staff Sergeant Slania’s platoon closed in on its objective. His gallant actions enabled his squad to advance without further casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Slania, 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.