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 Duane V. Sydow (ASN: 37469492), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 28 September 1944, about three miles from ****, Holland. Private First Class Sydow, machine gunner, was occupying a forward position covering an anti-tank minefield when a strong enemy attack of approximately company strength supported by tanks and self-propelled artillery was launched against his company’s defenses. Private First Class Sydow immediately began engaging the infantry moving with a tank towards the minefield for the ostensible purpose of clearing a path for the tank. His burst of machine gun fire was met by direct fire from the tank’s cannon, and Private First Class Sydow suffered multiple wounds in the arm, shoulder and neck. Mindful of the importance of his responsibility, Private First Class Sydow refused medical treatment and despite his painful wounds continued to engage the oncoming enemy. A second cannon burst completely put his gun out of action, but Private First Class Sydow, instead of withdrawing from his position continued to engage the mine-clearing detail with his rifle. His outstanding courage and unselfish devotion to duty accounted for heavy enemy casualties and in no small measure enabled his company to successfully repel the enemy thrust. Only after it was quite apparent that the enemy assault had failed did Private First Class Sydow evacuate his position and retire for medical aid. His exemplary courage and heroic tenacity were in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.