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 Louis P. Polasek (ASN: 38541394), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 13 April 1945. Private Polasek voluntarily accompanied his Squad Leader through intense machine gun and small arms fire to the rear of a group of concrete houses occupied by the enemy. They fired for one half hour, killing eight of the enemy and capturing eleven, thereby completely overrunning them and silencing their fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Polasek, 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.