The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Antoine Mariano, French Army, for gallantry in action while attached to and serving with the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1942/1943. Lieutenant Mariano, heedless of personal danger and in the face of enemy fire, personally led a group of volunteers in recovering the body of an American pilot shot down within enemy lines.