The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Michael W. Barkley (ASN: 20212771), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 April 1945 in Germany. On that date, Sergeant Barkley and three companions were ordered to search out a house along their rifle company’s route of attack into Erfurt, Germany. As the patrol approached the house it encountered automatic rifle fire. Sergeant Barkley covered by the fire of his two remaining companions, raced toward the house disregarding the danger to himself. Reaching the building he hurled a grenade through the window and on following it up he found three dead and several wounded enemy soldiers from whom he learned that there were more soldiers upstairs. With his comrades he captured thirty more of the foe who were hiding in the attic. Sergeant Barkley’s courage, aggressiveness, and 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.