The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Julian L. Lebowitz (ASN: 18125161), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. At 0500 hours, 24 January 1945, near Riedwihr, France, Staff Sergeant Lebowitz crawled to within forty yards of an enemy force who attempted to encircle one platoon, and engaged them in a fire fight. Then, with only a slender pine tree to cover him, Staff Sergeant Lebowitz leaped to his feet, and, despite a chain of automatic fire that swept by his body, opened fire with his carbine. For more than twenty minutes Staff Sergeant Lebowitz battled the enemy, killed three Germans and prevented the platoon from being surrounded. 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.