Louis S. Besenyei

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Louis S. Besenyei (36359453), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company F, 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1944, in the vicinity of Saarlautern-Roden, Germany. Fighting in Saarlautern-Roden, sergeant Besenyei’s platoon was subjected to sweeping fire from an enemy pillbox. Quickly leading his men toward a group of buildings nearby, Sergeant Besenyei took up a position at an opening in the fence surrounding the houses and remained completely exposed to the merciless fire until he directed all his comrades to cover. Sergeant Besenyei was killed in action on 12 December 1944. His gallant, timely action in risking his life to facilitate the movement of his platoon from a precarious situation reflects lasting honor on him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.