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 Eugene G. Strutzenberg (ASN: 38733161), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, on 2 February 1945, three miles from Neuhof, Germany. During the assault on the Siegfried Line, when his company was pinned down by very heavy defensive fire from enemy pillboxes, Private First Class Strutzenberg set out voluntarily to neutralize one of the fortifications in the enemy line. He crawled through snow-covered mine fields in the face of heavy small arms fire to within ten yards of his objective and threw a Gammon grenade which blew off the door of the pillbox, killing two of the enemy and stunning the others. The elimination of this critical obstacle permitted the company to resume its advance. Private First Class Strutzenberg’s bold demonstration of courage and aggressiveness contributed materially to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. 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.