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 [then Corporal] Joseph J. Pogonowski, United States Army, for gallantry in action as light machine gun section leader, Company K, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, on 26 April 1945. near Kehnert, Germany. He was on guard at his outpost when an enemy force of SS Troopers crossed the Elbe River in a pre-dawn assault and attacked his position. Immediately, he gave the command to open fire. When the number one gunner was hit, Sergeant Pogonowski fired the weapon himself against the attackers. Seeing a German lieutenant waving his handkerchief and advancing as if to surrender, he watched him sharply. When the enemy officer tried to hurl a grenade into the position, Sergeant Pogonowski quickly killed him. Refusing to leave his position and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy force, Sergeant Pogonowski did much to frustrate an enemy attempt to evacuate large quantities of arms and personnel across the Elbe River. 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.