The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Andrew Podobinski (ASN: 31410486), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 8 April 1945, in the vicinity of Herbolzheim, Germany. Sergeant Podobinski, seeing that the company was stopped by the fire of an enemy machine gun, undertook on his own initiative to organize a group of four men which he led to outflank and destroy the gun. Although he was killed during the attack, Sergeant Podobinski’s action resulted in neutralization of the gun, enabling the company to move forward. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Sergeant Podobinski reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.