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 Andrew J. Spano (ASN: US-51026838), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kumsong, Korea, on 14 October 1951. His platoon successfully captured a limited objective and set up a temporary defense perimeter. Heavy machine guns attached to the platoon were giving supporting fire to other elements of his company when they were suddenly subjected to heavy barrages of hand grenades tossed from an unobserved enemy bunker on an upper slope. Sergeant Spano immediately jumped up from his position of relative safety and, with complete disregard for his own safety, advanced toward the bunker through the withering hail of shrapnel. Hurling hand grenades and firing his rifle with deadly accuracy, he destroyed the enemy position and as his comrades advanced to join him he continued his attack, capturing 16 enemy soldiers and causing and enemy Regimental Commander to take his life rather than allow himself to be captured. Sergeant Spano’s courageous action, aggressive initiative and selfless devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of his company’s mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.