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 Frederick F. Kreigelstein (ASN: 36768678), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 2 February 1945, in France. Private First Class Kreigelstein, an Aid Man with Company I, moved across a wooded area under rifle and machine gun fire to assist a wounded comrade. While he was administering emergency treatment to the casualty, an enemy rifleman opened fire on him from a position behind a tree. Realizing the necessity for aggressive action, Private First Class Kreigelstein, although unarmed, charged the hostile soldier and, using a piece of wood as a weapon, drove him away. As the enemy rifleman ran, he was shot down by a friendly soldier nearby. As a result of Private First Class Kreigelstein’s courageous action, his injured comrade was assured of immediate first aid treatment and prompt evacuation.