The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Anthony DiDonato, Jr. (ASN: 33623480), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 December 1944, in Belgium. The enemy launched a fierce counterattack against the sector defended by Private First Class DiDonato’s machine gun. Although the men around him had all either withdrawn or become casualties, Private First Class DiDonato remained heroically at his post and poured fire into the advancing enemy. When his ammunition was exhausted and with the enemy only twenty yards away, he rose to his feet and opened fire with his pistol. While making this last gallant attempt to halt the enemy, he was killed by a burst of fire. Private First Class DiDonato’s outstanding heroism enabled his platoon to take up new positions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class DiDonato, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.