Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    *** Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 56 (December 12, 1944)

    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 Peter Muzelak (ASN: 32716714), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 8 November 1944. Sergeant Muzelak, section sergeant of a machine gun platoon, Company H, *** Infantry Regiment, was given the mission of supporting Company G in an attack upon enemy positions in ****. He made a personal reconnaissance under enemy fire, and moved his section into advantageous positions. He continued his reconnaissance, and located an enemy mortar section and an anti-tank gun which was firing direct fire against the attacking infantry. He picked up a discarded Browning Automatic Rifle and, firing until he exhausted his ammunition, succeeded in temporarily neutralizing the enemy fire. He then made his way across 50 yards of open terrain exposed to small arms fire, to a light machine gun and, manning this crew-served weapon unaided, completely neutralized the enemy anti-tank gun and forced the enemy mortar crew to withdraw, leaving their two 80-mm. mortars and ammunition behind. Sergeant Muzelak’s tactical acumen, courage, resourcefulness and zealous devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the attack and reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier.