The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Sylvester A. Sammartine (ASN: 32007089), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 3d Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action during the period 23 April to 4 May 1943, near Mateur, Tunisia. Sergeant Sammartine during this period led and supervised the evacuation of the dead and wounded of his battalion. The evacuations were effected under the most difficult conditions of mountainous terrain, heavy mortar and artillery fire, and through mine fields around Djebel Salama, Tunisia. Whenever the occasion arose for litter bearers, Sergeant Sammartine, with utter disregard for his personal safety, volunteered to lead all squads. Sergeant Sammartine’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.