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 [then Sergeant] Willard A. Geirsbach (ASN: 20624333), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Treseburg, Germany, on 18 April 1945. When his squad was impeded by an intense mortar, artillery, and machine gun barrage from strongly fortified enemy emplacements, Sergeant Geirsbach, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously led his group across perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point. He then directed accurate fire, inflicted severe casualties, destroyed numerous hostile strongpoints and compelled a large enemy force to surrender. His gallant actions and outstanding initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.