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 Milton I. Erlick, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in February 1945, in the European Theater of Operations. Private First Class Erlick volunteered to accompany a night reconnaissance in force which had the mission of entering an enemy occupied woods and capturing a prisoner. When the patrol encountered enemy fire, Private First Class Erlick and his squad leader traced enemy wire in search of the source of the harassing fire. Reaching an enemy entrenchment, they instantly killed an enemy soldier who jumped up with a machine pistol. As Erlick and his squad leader continued to advance, an enemy machine gun opened fire on them, hitting the squad leader and wounding Private First Class Erlick. Exhibiting courage and coolness in the face of enemy fire, he opened fire with his submachine gun, silencing the enemy gun. Despite the pain of his wound, he remained with the patrol until the mission was completed. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.