The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kirby J. Krouse (ASN: 13102952), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 702D Tank Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 27 January 1945 in Luxembourg. On that date, when the platoon leader’s tank was disabled and ignited by enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Krouse, the platoon sergeant, immediately took command and ordered the platoon into a protected place and thus prevented further loss from enemy fire. After taking care that his platoon was well deployed he then drove his own tank to the side of the platoon leader’s burning tank and, disregarding the severe enemy fire, left the comparative safety of his own tank to aid in evacuating the wounded crew members from the disabled tank. Sergeant Krouse’s initiative and courageous devotion to duty saved his platoon from heavy losses, saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.