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 [then Private] Patrick L. Palacio (ASN: 39687750), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. On 8 August 1944 near ***, France, Private First Class Palacio’s company was ordered to attack along the main road and had almost reached the town when they were suddenly pinned down by two machine guns and four machine pistols. Private First Class Palacio crawled under this fire over open ground to a position behind a stone wall where he was able to observe the enemy action. With no thought of his own personal safety, he stood up behind the wall and exposed himself to enemy fire and killed six Germans and wounded three more with his M-1 rifle, reducing the small arms fire and permitting the advance of our forces into the town. This gallant action contributed materially to the capture of the town and was a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.