The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Martin L. Gottleb (ASN: 37211496), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 November 1944 in France. On that date, Technical Sergeant Gottleb assumed command of the platoon in which he served as a squad leader when the sergeant in charge became a casualty, and led his men through intense mortar and artillery fire to seize the high ground on the northern edge of St. Avold, France. His utter disregard for his own personal safety inspired the platoon to make an assault with such rapidity that the enemy were completely routed. In this action Technical Sergeant Gottleb personally destroyed a machine gun nest with a grenade and bayoneted the crew. His bravery, leadership, and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.