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 Earl G. Ontko (ASN: 36243414), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 19 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. When the company was under intense mortar barrage, four men were wounded. Sergeant Ontko, disregarding his own safety, crawled forward and administered first aid to the men. Though the fire was intense, he remained with two of the men while the other two were able to return to our lines. He assisted the third man to safety and then returned for the last one, who was a litter case. Although momentarily stunned by an artillery shell, he improvised a litter and dragged the wounded man to safety. This errand of mercy required two hours to complete and was accomplished under incessant enemy shell fire. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ontko reflect credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.