The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Louis Gargano (MCSN: 272606), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division during combat with enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 3 to 9 January 1944. Courageously leading his men across a stream while subjected to withering hostile machine-gun fire, Platoon Sergeant Gargano skillfully directed his platoon throughout the ensuing attempt to gain heavily fortified enemy pillboxes, retarding the advance of the battalion. Displaying cool and aggressive leadership during a later strike against a hostile ridge, he enabled his men to capture and hold the enemy emplacement, with a minimum of casualties, fighting with unwavering determination until fatally injured while repulsing a hostile counterattack. Platoon Sergeant Gargano’s heroic initiative and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.