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 Technical Sergeant Theodore J. Nykaza (ASN: 36025631), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, France, on 29 September 1944. When an en-trucked platoon of which Sergeant Nykaza was platoon leader, proceeded along a road in the ****, it was ambushed by enemy armed with automatic weapons and small arms. The platoon leader in the leading vehicle was wounded, whereupon Sergeant Nykaza ordered his men to leave their vehicles and form a skirmish line to return the enemy fire. Four men were wounded while leaving the trucks. As the intensity of the enemy fire increased, Sergeant Nykaza then ordered a withdrawal. While Sergeant Nykaza and another noncommissioned officer gallantly remained to cover the withdrawal, his men succeeded in evacuating three of the wounded men and moving to safety. His leadership, courage and gallant actions are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.