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 Michael Welgan (ASN: 6706553), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in Germany on 22 February 1945. When his platoon was caught on open ground under vicious enemy machine gun fire and direct enemy observation, Private Welgan voluntarily exposed himself completely to put his machine gun into action. He fired steadily despite the concentration of enemy fire upon him, and at one time he rushed twenty yards into the face of the enemy to secure a better position from which to continue his self-assigned task of covering his comrades’ withdrawal. Private Welgan’s gallant action, far above and beyond the call of duty, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.