Adrian S. Bieker

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Adrian S. Bieker (0-1313506), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 7 March 1945, near Forbach, France. After adjusting artillery fire on enemy positions across a deep anti-tank ditch, Lieutenant Bieker led his company successfully across the ditch and seized the high ground on the other side. He and several of his men were wounded by artillery fire during this crossing. Refusing to leave the battlefield, he remained in command, organizing his position, caring for the wounded, and directing artillery fire. Although he was killed shortly afterwards by the explosion of an enemy shell, the company was so thoroughly prepared for the counterattack which followed that the enemy was unable to dislodge it from its position. His gallant actions, culminating with the sacrifice of his life, exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.