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 Chester Golonska (ASN: 35008979), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. Staff Sergeant Golonska, a 60-mm. mortar section leader, was moving forward with the leading elements of his rifle company when the advance was halted by intense enemy machine gun fire. Staff Sergeant and two officers left their protected position and crawled to an exposed point, well in front of the most advanced elements of the assaulting unit. The two officers were wounded almost immediately, but Staff Sergeant Golonska, although exposed to sweeping enemy fire, directed extremely accurate mortar fire on the Japanese. When the observer of a supporting 4.2 mortar platoon was unable to reach the observation post, Staff Sergeant Golonska, on his own initiative, also directed the fire of that platoon. His adjusting fire was so effective that the Japanese were forced to withdraw after suffering numerous casualties. Staff Sergeant Golonska then aided in the evacuation of the two wounded officers, although it was necessary to carry and drag them over a high stone wall and across 20 yards of open terrain which was constantly under long range machine gun fire. Staff Sergeant Golonska’s cool direction and accurate adjustment of mortar fire while dangerously exposed to hostile fire made it possible for our troops to clear the sector and advance successfully to the objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Golonska, 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.