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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Steve Joseph Puhalla (ASN: 33415859), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 November 1944, in Germany. Three enemy tanks, supported by fire from enemy infantrymen, launched a counterattack against the positions held by Sergeant Puhalla’s unit. Acting coolly and courageously in this hazardous situation, Sergeant Puhalla climbed to the upper story of a building and, while heavy small arms fire struck all around him, fired mortar shells from a grenade launcher at the tanks. Two of his shells scored direct hits on the tanks, which wavered under his fire and rocket fire from another direction and consequently withdrew. Sergeant Puhalla’s gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 28, 1945
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 574 (October 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Steve Joseph Puhalla (ASN: 33415859), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 February 1945, near Konigshoven, Germany. When his company was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire from an enemy strongpoint, Sergeant Puhalla courageously led his squad forward to take the position by assault. Fifty yards from the objective he was wounded three times in the abdomen from a machine gun burst. Despite his painful wounds, Sergeant Puhalla gallantly struggled to his feet and emptied his weapon on the enemy emplacement. Upon reaching the objective, he was killed instantly by automatic fire. Sergeant Phualla’s courageous self-sacrifice reflects great credit upon himself and the fighting Infantry.