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 Salvatore Polito (ASN: RA-12116963), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. On that date Company I was undergoing heavy attacks by a numerically superior enemy force that had already made a penetration of the defensive line. Sergeant Polito, a platoon sergeant, was ordered to lead his platoon in a counterattack. Resolutely taking charge and rushing forward at the head of his platoon, Sergeant Polito succeeded in sealing off the enemy penetration with a minimum amount of casualties among his own men. The inspiring courage and leadership displayed by Sergeant Polito reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.