The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Dwight T. Denno (ASN: 32685594), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 7 March 1945. As his platoon advanced on Stiring Wendel, France, it was held up by intense machine gun fire from a house. After enemy rockets had driven back a tank attempt to neutralize the strong point, Staff Sergeant Denno leaped to his feet and, despite the hostile fire, led his squad across open ground to a wall by the house. Maneuvering quickly, he entered the yard alone and, catching the guard by surprise as he broke into the building, effected the capture of the 13 occupants. His gallant action in the face of hostile fire enabled his platoon to advance and his company to accomplish its mission.