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 Edward J. Koenitz (ASN: 12005147), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from February through July 1943. Assigned the mission of locating and destroying an enemy machine gun position holding up our advance, Sergeant Koenitz led his squad forward under continuous enemy fire, located the enemy position, and, although wounded, destroyed it. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.