The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), [then Second Lieutenant] John Labriole (ASN: 0-2006492), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 305th Engineer Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 February 1945 in Germany. Assigned the mission of clearing a road of all obstacles and mines preparatory to an attack at dawn, Lieutenant Labriole ordered his men to take cover and advanced alone 400 yards beyond an infantry outpost under withering enemy machine gun fire rather than expose the rest of his squad, successfully removing the mines and returning safely. Lieutenant Labriole’s outstanding courage, skill, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.