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 Joseph T. Kochansky (ASN: 31294698), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 28 March 1945, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States. During the fierce battle for Kastel, Germany, Sergeant Kochanski, on his own initiative exposed himself to severe hostile fire to cross three hundred yards of hazardous terrain to destroy an enemy emplacement and allowed his company to proceed without further casualties. Sergeant Kochanski’s aggressiveness, initiative, and courage are commensurate with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.