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 Mike P. Butkovich (ASN: 36055942), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Medical Detachment of the 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 26 February 1945. During an attack near ****, troops of the 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, encountered very heavy enemy fire and entered a German anti-personnel mine field, sustaining numerous casualties. Private Butkovich, a litter bearer attached to the Battalion Aid Station, voluntarily and with full knowledge of the hazards involved, went into the mine field in the midst of concentrated enemy machine gun and mortar fire and proceeded to administer first aid to the wounded. While so engaged, he was killed by a mine. His intrepid devotion to duty and to wounded comrades is in accord with the best traditions of the Medical Department of the United States Army.