The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Chick Eitelman (ASN: 39092467), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 26 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. On a combat reconnaissance patrol which was pinned down by two enemy machine guns behind enemy lines, Technician Fifth Grade Eitelman voluntarily charged forward firing his light machine gun. He silenced one machine gun and then engaged the other, neutralizing it. The patrol leader became fiercely engaged with approximately a platoon of enemy in a small village. Technician Fifth Grade Eitelman located the most dangerous machine gun and charged it with his light machine gun. His deadly accurate fire wiped out this point of opposition. Taking advantage of his position, Technician Fifth Grade Eitelman raked the village with fire, allowing the remainder of the patrol to effect its withdrawal, before he left his precarious position. His courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.