The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Peter F. Durante (ASN: 32704332), United States Army, for gallantry in action in Italy on 8 September 1943. Volunteering to participate in an extremely hazardous mission involving landings on enemy-held territory, Corporal Durante was among the first men to land on an Island where he captured a German non-commissioned officer, preventing him, at the risk of his own life, from blowing up a supply ship. By this display of courage, Corporal Durante raised the morale of the other members of the raiding party to great heights in their vigorous actions which resulted in the capture of a garrison of eighty enemy soldiers and the liberation of Allied prisoners, also in the neutralization of enemy installations on the Island at a critical moment. Corporal Durant’s initiative, cool thinking and bravery beyond the call of duty won for him the admiration of all the men with him and was a credit to the military service.