The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Nicola Costa, Jr. (ASN: 31348241), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1135th Engineer Combat Group, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 7 February 1945, in Luxembourg. Company A was attempting to construct a foot bridge across the Our River at Headorf, Luxembourg for the purposes of assisting the 80th Infantry Division in an assault crossing. The bridge site was continually under heavy artillery and mortar fire for the entire operation. During a particularly heavy barrage Private First Class Costa was wounded by shrapnel from a shell burst along with his platoon commander and several others. Despite continued enemy artillery fire and the withdrawal of the platoon, Private First Class Costa, though wounded and at further risk of his own life, stayed with his platoon commander until medical aid men could evacuate him to the aid station. Private First Class Costa’s outstanding heroism and courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.