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 Anthony Stanich, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy on 12 February 1944. Private First Class Stanich’s Infantry company, after first receiving an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage, was subjected to a strong enemy attack. Moving forward to engage the enemy, he encountered a German machinegun position which he could not reach with his hand grenades. Perceiving the hazard it presented to his unit, he made his way back to secure a rifle grenade launcher and ammunition. He skillfully worked his way forward in the face of intense enemy small arms fire to a more advantageous point and fired two rounds into the enemy emplacement, destroying it. He thus aided his organization in repelling the determined enemy counterattack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.