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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Stanley A. Karas (ASN: 0-885734), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 July 1943, in Sicily. First Lieutenant Karas’ platoon which was on the left flank, was attacked by five enemy tanks. He held his ground steadfastly until overrun by the enemy tanks. Then under extremely heavy artillery and machine gun fire from the attacking tanks, Lieutenant Karas moved his platoon into position with the remainder of the company. After reorganizing his men and encouraging them to fight on, he rounded up a gun crew and manned an abandoned anti-tank gun. When he had exhausted the ammunition by the gun, he fearlessly dashed to an old gun position, secured ammunition, and under intense enemy fire, returned to his anti-tank gun. His outstanding bravery and magnificent devotion to duty were of inestimable value in bolstering the spirit of the men fighting beside him. His brilliant organizational and leadership ability were instrumental in the successful conclusion of this vital engagement with the enemy. First Lieutenant Karas’ inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 20, 1945
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 103 (June 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Stanley A. Karas (ASN: 0-885734), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, on 20 January 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 156 (August 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Stanley A. Karas (ASN: 0-885734), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 16 September 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (July 24, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Stanley A. Karas (ASN: 0-885734), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from February through July 1943. Although subjected to intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Karas brilliantly led his men in numerous successful attacks upon strong enemy positions. His courage and coolness under fire inspired his men. Lieutenant Karas’ gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.