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 Melvin M. Gennis (ASN: 36968563), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 12 April 1945 in Germany. During the fierce house to house fighting in Erfurt, Germany, on 12 April 1945, a machine gun in an enemy held house temporarily delayed the attack. Realizing the importance of destroying this obstacle, Private First Class Gennis, a rifleman, advanced to a house across the street from the enemy strongpoint and boldly fired direct mortar fire from a second story window at the foe. Even though wounded he stopped firing only long enough to receive first aid. By his accurate mortar fire Private First Class Gennis forced the enemy to surrender and permitted his company to advance. His courageous aggressiveness, resourcefulness, and sincere 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.