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 Felix T. Kitlinski, Jr. (ASN: 33465083), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 20 March 1945. Private First Class Kitlinski was ordered to lead a reconnaissance patrol to the Siegfried Line in front of Saarbrucken, Germany, to reconnoiter the enemy’s defenses. He skillfully led his patrol across open, rolling terrain, taking advantage of the slight cover afforded him. At the dragon’s teeth, Private First Class Kitlinski deployed his men defensively and went forward alone, past the anti-tank barrier to a position where he made note of the hostile fortifications, then carefully worked his way back to his men and led them safely to friendly lines. Because of his keen judgment and tactical ingenuity, his company was able to move rapidly through the Siegfried Line and into Saarbrucken, capturing many prisoners, weapons and equipment.