Gilbert O. Menzel

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gilbert O. Menzel (38111660), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On 11 August 1943, in the vicinity of *****, Sicily, following the explosion of a number of anti-personnel mines which killed one officer and several enlisted men, Private First Class Menzel, with complete disregard for his personal safety, made his way through tall grass which was heavily mined to command the situation and administer first aid to the injured. While treating the casualties another anti-personnel mine was set off and Private First Class Menzel was killed. His personal bravery and coolness under fire were an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions and aided in saving the lives of several of his comrades before his life was taken.