The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Nicholas J. Grzetich (MCSN: 465676), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company B, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 5 May 1945. When another tank in his vicinity far in advance of friendly lines became disabled and heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small-arms fire prevented its crew from evacuation, Sergeant Grzetich unhesitatingly maneuvered his own tank into a towing position and, dismounting, attached a towing cable to the disabled vehicle. Although wounded in the head and chest by hostile shell fragments while engaged in this task, he disregarded his wounds and directed the removal of the crippled tank to a place of safety before submitting to medical treatment and evacuation. By his courageous efforts, Sergeant Grzetich saved the crew of the disabled tank from a precarious position and prevented the certain destruction of critically needed equipment. His unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.