The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Albert B. Buchert (ASN: 37094132), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 7 July 1944. While repelling an enemy counterattack, Private First Class Buchert was manning a machine gun which was under constant sniper fire. When the gun went out of action due to a broken part, Private First Class Buchert, with utter disregard for his own safety, picked up the gun, ran over open ground under enemy fire to a position where it was possible to secure another part and repair the weapon. Then, taking the machine gun in his arms, he ran back to his original position and placed the gun in action. Shortly after this he was killed by an enemy sniper. Private First Class Buchert’s initiative in repairing his weapon and placing it back in action materially prevented the enemy from infiltrating the position.