The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Norman J. Gurzenda (ASN: 31069844), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Gurzenda and a comrade, lead scouts for their platoon, boldly entered a house in a town which was the platoon’s objective and surprised an enemy artillery officer and his crew with maps and equipment. Private First Class Gurzenda and his comrade quickly took them prisoner and then proceeded upstairs where they encountered ten more of the enemy whom they forced to surrender by quick and aggressive action. Private First Class Gurzenda’s heroic action was responsible for the capture of twenty-one prisoners and the reduction of an enemy position which might have inflicted casualties on his platoon. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Gurzenda, 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.