The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Albert M. Krekler, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy as Tank Commander with the 70th Tank Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 15 July 1944. When five of his tanks were disabled and burned by intense enemy tank fire, Captain Krekler disregarded the grave risk involved by going on foot in the face of fierce fire to each tank and assisted the wounded men who were unable to get out. When he had placed his men in comparative safety, he courageously returned to the forward position, still on foot and under concentrated enemy fire, in order to locate the enemy tanks and bring artillery fire upon them. In doing so he was wounded by shell fire but refused to be evacuated until his men were properly cared for. His gallantry undoubtedly saved the lives of nine of his men and reflects credit upon himself and upon the military service.