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 Anthony Hilinski (ASN: 33793146), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 January 1945, in the vicinity of Achen, France. When enemy tanks supported by infantry overran the company command post, Sergeant Hilinski, the company supply sergeant, on his own initiative, organized a six-man rifle squad and placed them expertly on the right flank. From an exposed position, he effectively directed the fire of his group. When he saw a man seriously wounded, he crawled to the man, with disregard for his own personal safety, and rendered first aid while under intense sniper fire. Throughout the counterattack, his courage and outstanding leadership contributed greatly to the repelling of the enemy and the inflicting of heavy casualties on them. Sergeant Hilinski’s gallantry in action reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.