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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Marcus Kruke (ASN: 0-1325403), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 July 1944, at St. Lo, France. Under the intense shell fire preceding an enemy counterattack, Second Lieutenant Kruke personally laid a communication line from his observation post to the forward defense elements. Then he lay completely exposed to the hostile fire and directed mortar fire on the advancing enemy. His heroic action was giving every indication of halting the enemy advance when First Lieutenant Kruke was fatally wounded. Utterly ignoring his pain, and with the single purpose in his mine of halting the enemy, he unselfishly offered his body as a shield for the other soldier with him so that the other man could safely continue directing the mortar fire. As a result of his unselfish act the enemy attack was frustrated and his companion escaped injury. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Kruke, 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.