The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Wallace A. Kurtze (ASN: 39710636), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 90th Infantry Division in northern France. On 26 July 1944 in the vicinity of the **** River, Sergeant Kurtze’s company had succeeded in reaching its objective although it had sustained extremely heavy losses and had been pinned down due to heavy enemy fire and a tank attack. The fighting had caused the loss of much equipment and it was necessary to gather up some of the equipment of the wounded and lost material in order to maintain the position. Sergeant Kurtze and one companion, without regard to their own personal safety and under continuous enemy fire worked from place to place giving aid to the wounded and gathering up much needed weapons and ammunition, including the company’s radio, two light machine guns and a bazooka, thus enabling the company to hold its position. His gallant act was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.