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 [then Private First Class] Mike M. Gagich (ASN: 35210737), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 16 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. When the company received heavy fire from an enemy pillbox, Sergeant Gagich, squad leader of a machine gun squad, maneuvered his squad into firing positions. Unable to gain effective fire, Sergeant Gagich, with little regard for his own safety, crawled within thirty yards of the enemy position. Firing his rifle and throwing grenades, he killed one of the enemy, wounded two, and forced four others to surrender. With this threat eliminated, the squad moved forward to a position whereby supporting fire could be given. The gallant action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gagich reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.