The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Louis Yarchak (ASN: 33143760), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on **** 1943, about one mile from ****, Italy. Sergeant Yarchak, with a squad of six men, was ordered to hold a strategic bridge one-half mile in advance of his platoon. Upon moving into this position the night of ****, Sergeant Yarchak discovered that the far end of the bridge was held by the enemy in force. Undaunted by superior odds he proceeded to set up his squad in a defensive position. The morning of ****, at 0600 hours his position was discovered by the enemy and was subjected to machine gun, mortar and heavy small arms fire. The enemy flanked him on both sides. During this engagement two men were killed and two wounded, but Sergeant Yarchak held his squad together and refused to be driven out. He was successful in holding this position until support was moved up and, thereby, aided materially the accomplishment of his company’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.