Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Private Florian J. Kowalske, 36836656, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near *** [Lutrebois], Belgium on 31 December 1944. When a rifle company which his platoon was supporting was compelled to withdraw during the course of a powerful enemy counterattack, Private Kowalske, second gunner in a machine gun platoon, maintained his gun in position for more than an hour, repelling three successive assaults against the platoon position and inflicting heavy casualties among the attacking Germans. Mounting pressure on both flanks finally made withdrawal mandatory, whereupon Private Kowalske and the other members of the platoon brought each gun out of position and moved personnel and equipment to more advantageous positions without loss. Private Kowalske’s fighting spirit and zealous devotion to duty reflect credit upon his character and training as a soldier.
Entered military service from Wisconsin.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (26 February 1945).