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 Private First Class Daniel J. Klaff (ASN: 35289947), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 20 September 1944 in France. Company G advanced along the slopes overlooking an important town, neutralizing all enemy resistance in the woods and along the road leading into the town. Private First Class Klaff, acting as assistant squad leader, was assigned the mission of leading two men along the road as a flank protection unit. While moving through the woods, he approached an open clearing which afforded no cover or concealment. In order to determine whether the enemy would fire on his men when they crossed the clearing, he advanced fearlessly, moving into the open under direct hostile observation. As he continued across the clearing, the enemy directed rapid bursts of machine gun fire at him, and, before he could reach cover, he was hit several times by hostile fire. Although mortally wounded, he valiantly crawled back to his men and, displaying extraordinary selflessness, ordered one of them to report the location of the enemy weapon to the company, so that it could be silenced before inflicting more damage on the unit. Private First Class Klaff died before he could be evacuated.