The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Solomon Plotsky (ASN: 42125283), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 4 January 1945. Company C, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, pressed forward beyond its objective and became isolated from other units of the battalion. Sergeant Plotsky, then an assistant squad leader, led a group of twelve soldiers in an attempt to regain the American lines during hours of darkness. This group was pinned down byfire from an enemy machine gun, whereupon Sergeant Plotsky, observing the muzzle blast, rushed forward and seized the barrel of the enemy weapon with his bare hands, wrested it from the surprised German, then knocked out the enemy gunner. The gallant actions of Sergeant Plotsky enabled his group to continue toward our lines and regain contact with the remainder of the battalion. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.