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 [then Private First Class] Melvin H. Garber (ASN: 35504552), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 January 1945, in Belgium. When he observed an enemy machine gun being set up, Sergeant Garber, fearing that the enemy squad would have direct observed fire on his platoon, crawled through deadly enemy fire for seventy-five yards toward the gun. He advanced to within twenty-five yards of the enemy position and then threw a grenade, killing two of the enemy and silencing the gun. By his gallant action under extremely perilous circumstances, Sergeant Garber helped prevent casualties in his platoon. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Garber, 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.