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 Carl Emil Krenz (ASN: 37277411), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 31 January 1944. Krenz was a member of a five-man Infantry patrol which was to establish contact between the battalion commander and Company F. Since time was important, the patrol chose the shortest though most dangerous route, part of which lay in enemy-held territory. The patrol encountered a group of 12 enemy led by an officer. Krenz and his comrades deployed and captured the group without firing a shot. The patrol not only completed its mission but removed a serious threat to the entire battalion in not alerting the enemy. Subsequently he has been reported missing in action. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Krenz, 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.