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 Maurice Zinker (ASN: 11086180), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 4 March 1945, in the vicinity of Gudingen, Germany. The company was preparing to dig in and hold a section of woods when they were counterattacked by enemy tanks supported by infantry. Although the tanks were firing directly into the woods with eighty-eights and machine guns, Private First Class Zinker remained at the edge of the woods and fired his automatic rifle at the infantry, killing and wounding several of the enemy. He remained in support of a bazooka team which damaged one tank. When one member of the bazooka team was wounded, he took his place until all the ammunition was expended. Then, under direct fire from the remaining tanks, he withdrew to the company, carrying the wounded man with him. The gallantry in action displayed by Private First Class Zinker reflect credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.