The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Rudolph F. Ginalski (ASN: 33134127), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 27 January 1945. During his Company’s advance, Sergeant Ginalski, in command of a right flank rifle squad, encountered heavy machine gun fire not more than 30 yards to his front. Despite the direct fire of the enemy gun, Sergeant Ginalski knelt, killed two enemy machine gunners with several shots from his rifle, and then killed a third Japanese soldier who ran to man the gun. Rising to his feet, Sergeant Ginalski proceeded toward the enemy position at a half run, quickly tossed a fragmentation hand grenade into the pillbox and immediately followed it with a white phosphorus grenade. There was an immediate explosion as a supply of demolitions was ignited. This completely destroyed the enemy position. Shifting his attack to another enemy machine gun about 40 yards to his right front, Sergeant Ginalski skillfully directed an enveloping movement and led an assault on the Japanese held position which resulted in the destruction of the five-man enemy gun crew. 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.