The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Francis J. Del Bena (ASN: 0-1293560), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 October 1944, in Germany. During an attack on the Siegfried Line, when his battalion was halted by intense fire from enemy pillboxes, Captain Del Bena, the Operations Officer, immediately went to the front and organized an assault team which he personally led in attacks upon two pillboxes which were captured rapidly. Inspired by his leadership and bravery, the battalion aggressively assumed the initiative and attacked strongly to capture a series of important objectives. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Captain Del Bena reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.