The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joseph J. Madanski (ASN: 35929756), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 15 April 1945. While leading the attack of his platoon across an open field, Sergeant Madanski, an acting squad leader, saw a well-concealed enemy machine gun, warned his troops to take cover, then when the enemy weapon opened fire, remained in an exposed position and silenced the machine gun with rifle fire. He continued firing upon other enemy positions in the area to cover withdrawal of his men and while so engaged was killed by enemy fire. Sergeant Madanski’s gallant self-sacrifice is in accord with the military traditions of the United States.