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 Peter J. Kmiecik (ASN: 36124361), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the night of 1 April 1943, at ******, Tunisia, North Africa. During an enemy attack on our positions on the night of 1 April 1943, Company E, which was on the right flank exhausted their mortar ammunition and Private First Class Kmieck volunteered to drive a quarter-ton truck and trailer under heavy enemy shellfire with the needed ammunition to relieve the situation. While behind the defending company, Private First Class Kmieck was wounded by hand grenades and small arms fire from a small enemy detachment which had penetrated our lines. Both vehicle and trailer were set on fire a Private First Class Kmieck, disregarding his fatal wounds, succeeded in getting most of the ammunition out of the trailer before collapsing. He died later, not knowing he was instrumental in repelling this enemy attack by getting up vitally needed mortar ammunition on the line. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Kmiecik, 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.