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 William Blaszcask (ASN: 36977148), 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 11 February 1945 in Germany. On that date, Technical Sergeant Blaszcask, commander of a rifle squad attacking through enemy held woods near Biesdorf, Germany, observed that a German machine gun on the flank was temporarily delaying the advance of the company. Realizing that many casualties would result from this fire, Technical Sergeant Blaszcask voluntarily crawled to within thirty yards of the machine gun and, after throwing two hand grenades, charged the enemy position, capturing the crew. His courageous and timely action enabled the company to seize its objective and prevented many casualties. The bravery, aggressiveness, and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Blaszcask were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.