The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Donald K. Sherlak (ASN: 37517784), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 February 1945. During a tank-infantry attack on an enemy force strongly entrenched in a building, radio contact between a tank and the infantry was lost. Technical Sergeant Sherlak volunteered to direct the tank’s fire by telephone from a position beside the tank. As he continually exposed himself to enemy guns, he was painfully wounded but resolutely remained with the tank until ordered to the rear for medical treatment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Sherlak, 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.