The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to 1st Sergeant Norbert S. Szymczak (ASN: 16006648), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, In action against the enemy at Marvie, Belgium. On the evening of 23 December 1944, at 1730 hours, an aggressive, spirited, and coordinated attack by enemy forces of the 901st Panzer Grenadiers supported by ten Mark IV tanks began on the village of Marvie, Belgium. This attack was preceded by intense and concentrated artillery and mortar fire and despite this, First Sergeant Szymczak organized a strong point in a building on the south edge of Marvie. Enemy forces succeeded in gaining Hill 500 and then directed their attack along the road from Hill 500 to the town of Marvie. During the first assault with tanks, First Sergeant Szymczak, with utter disregard for his own safety, fired his rocket launcher at the approaching tanks damaging the lead tank and forcing their withdrawal. When enemy infantry assaulted the strong point, First Sergeant Szymczak continued to hold his position and although exposed to enemy machine gun and small arms fire, drove off the attacking infantry with small arms fire. Throughout the twelve-hour attack, First Sergeant Szymczak although wounded in the face and neck by shrapnel, remained in the building encouraging and inspiring his men to hold at all costs. This display of courage, gallantry, and aggressiveness were instrumental in the successful defense of the village of Marvie. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by 1st Sergeant Szymczak, 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.