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 Albert J. Costa (ASN: RA-12294049), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near O’Kchon, Korea, on 27 September 1950. During an attack his company was held up by heavy machine gun, small arms and tank fire. The fire from the tank was particularly devastating and Private Costa unhesitatingly determined to eliminate it. Leaving his position of relative safety he advanced to engage the tank with his recoilless rifle. Completely disregarding his own safety he moved through intense fire until he reached a position within 20 yards of the tank. From this position he fired with such accuracy that with one round he killed two of the crew and caused the remainder to abandon the tank. His fearless action greatly facilitated his company’s continued advance and reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.