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 Jacob Altergott (ASN: 17054455), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, on 13 April 1945. Sergeant Altergott moved a tank forward to shield another damaged tank, despite intense bazooka fire. Ignoring bazooka and anti-tank fire glancing off his tank, he maintained such withering fire that two enemy bazooka teams were knocked out and the balance of the enemy were pinned down until they were driven from their positions or wiped out. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Altergott, 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.