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 Private First Class Victor H. Epstein (ASN: 35294904), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 319th Engineer Combat Battalion, 94th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 22 February 1945. While performing duties as Combat Engineer, Private Epstein made a river crossing with Infantry assault units to open paths through barbed wire entanglements. Following the initial landing, a route was quickly cut, but intense concentrations of hostile fire forced him to take cover. On six separate occasions he ventured fearlessly along the barbed wire barrier, cutting and clearing the way to facilitate an uninterrupted advance. It was during the heroic performance of this action that he was mortally wounded. Private Epstein’s valiant courage, tenacious determination and loyalty to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.