The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Alexis Sommaripa, a United States Civilian in the employ of the Office of Strategic Services, for contributing gallantly to the success of American arms on 28 March 1945 during an attack on Gobelnrod, Germany. Mr. Sommaripa fearlessly took an unescorted light tank down the village’s main street, calling over a loud-speaker system for the enemy to surrender. In 20 minutes, Mr. Sommaripa persuaded 1,000Germans tolay down their arms, formed them into a column, and marched them off to the American lines.