The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Anthony M. Benzick (ASN: 37000273), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 26 April 1945, in the vicinity of Leipheim, Germany. Private First Class Benzick was a member of a squad which served as an outpost in the defense of the city. The enemy counterattacked in great strength, and the units on his right and left were forced to withdraw. Displaying great courage he, however, remained in the vital defensive position. The enemy brought intense small arms and rocket fire to bear on the position, surrounded it, and eventually overran the outpost, taking Private First Class Benzick prisoner. Private First Class Benzick and the other members of the squad bore the brunt of the enemy counterattack for more than an hour and a half, giving the remainder of the company time to organize a successful defense. After the action was finished, sixty dead enemy were counted in front of the position. Private First Class Benzick’s magnificent courage and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.