The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Stanley P. Klapowski (ASN: 33398815), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 712th Tank Battalion, 90th Infantry Division. On 8 August 1944 near ***, France, Corporal Klapkowski, was gunner in the lead tank of a column, which came suddenly upon 12 vehicles towing anti-aircraft weapons. His tank swung rapidly into action taking the enemy vehicles under fire by surprise. Although they attempted to uncouple weapons and did succeed in bringing one gun into action, the courageous action and excellent gunnery of Corporal Klapowski quickly knocked out the enemy gun and destroyed all 12 of the vehicles with only one round for each. The expert gunnery and courage of this man prevented the escape of the enemy convoy and drove the force back into the woods where they were later captured, thus enabling our troops to bypass the position and cut off the retreat of the enemy forces. 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.