The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Franciszek Demel, Army Of Poland, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding the 4th Wolynska Brigade, Polish Army, attached to the 15th Army Group, in an encircling movement at Bologna, Italy, on 21 April 1945. To reduce a series of mutually supporting strongpoints, he led his men in several assaults across flat, heavily mined terrain, forcing the enemy to abandon one position after another, despite the fact that the attack was carried out under heavy artillery, mortar, machine-gun and small-arms fire. Colonel Demel’s disregard for personal safety, his inspiring leadership, and great tactical skill contributed in large measure to the liberation of Bologna.