The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ignacy S. Wilk (ASN: 32172335), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 April 1945. When his company was subjected to a concentrated enemy artillery barrage, Private Wilk, a company messenger, immediately left his covered position to go to the aid of casualties. Together with the company mail orderly, he moved across the impact area, administered first aid to a seriously wounded man, and started carrying him to safety. A shell landed fifteen yards from the men and wounded the mail orderly. Undaunted, Private Wilk, continued carrying the original casualty alone until he reached the aid station one hundred yards distant, and then he at once returned to the danger zone, lifted the mail orderly to his shoulder and carried him to safety. 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.