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 Ferdinand J. Bronzell (ASN: 16081433), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Medical Detachment of the 35th Infantry Division, in action near Villers-le-Bonne-eau, Belgium, on 4 January 1945. Assisted by three companions, Private Bronzell was serving as a litter bearer during the intense action near Villers-le-Bonne-eau. Throughout the morning hours, he worked with indefatigable energy to evacuate the numerous casualties, ever disregarding personal safety. In the afternoon, when enemy fire increased, he and his companions were counseled by the infantrymen against entering heavily-shelled terrain. Realizing that the wounded needed aid, and again without thought for personal safety, assisted by his companions, he went forward in the face of the enemy fire in order to reach wounded comrades. While engaged on his errand of mercy, he was seriously wounded. Such fearless devotion to duty is in accord with the military traditions of the United States and a credit to the Medical Department of the Army.