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 Frank J. Salkowski (ASN: 13006175), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Staff Sergeant Salkowski, Platoon Sergeant, was on a combat patrol when it suffered heavy casualties from an unexpected strongpoint of twelve men and two machine guns. When the enemy continued to fire on the helpless wounded, Staff Sergeant Salkowski deliberately exposed himself to the enemy fire so that comrades could evacuate the wounded. Since only two men were rescued by this action, Staff Sergeant Salkowski then established a base of fire with a BAR from a necessarily exposed position and temporarily silenced the enemy. With elements of his patrol still not safely withdrawn, Staff Sergeant Salkowski attempted to smoke the enemy with smoke shells, but this effort only resulted in increased fire falling on his position. Still undaunted, he then coordinated his BAR fire with that of a rescue patrol. This final action resulted in the safe withdrawal of all patrol members, including all wounded, to a place of safety. Only after completely assured that all members of his patrol had safely withdrawn did Staff Sergeant Salkowski leave the dangerous impact area for a defiladed spot. His considerate and courageous actions typify the highest standards of the American Infantryman.