GO 19. SECTION VI, POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL

WILLIAM J. KURZAWSKI, 33668395, Private, 508th Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action 20-21 September 1944 at ***, HOLLAND. Private KURZAWSKI was an assistant 60mm mortar squad leader, Company “H”, in support of the night attack by his company to seize the town. Heavy enemy resistance was encountered and it became necessary for the company to move back to the high ground west of the town and reorganize. Private KURZAWSKI made personal contact with all members of his squad and informed them of this order of withdrawal. He covered the displacement of the squad and fought off one machine gun team which attempted to move forward under cover of darkness and fire into the company. During this action, Private KURZAWSKI was killed. His courageous efforts were responsible in large part for the successful movement of his squad and contributed much to the prompt reorganization of his company for a second attack against this position. Entered military service from PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.