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 [then Private] Norman K. Katz (ASN: 37731909), 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 Stein, Germany. When the sergeant of the machine gun section was killed, Private First Class Katz immediately took command of the section, led them to a better position, and directed their fire on the enemy. Through his quick thinking and action, fifty of the enemy were killed or wounded. Later, when one gunner was killed and the assistant gunner was wounded, he picked up the gun and, firing as he advanced, killed or wounded nine more of the enemy. The gallant action and outstanding leadership displayed by Private First Class Katz reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.