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 John Vinterella (ASN: RA-18276091), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 16 July 1950 near Yongdong, Korea. The enemy had penetrated front line units and were attacking the battery’s positions. Private First Class Vinterella, a battery cook, joined a 105 howitzer section which was firing on the enemy from the battery’s exposed flank. While serving this howitzer in direct fire he was wounded twice by small arms fire. At one time the howitzer received a direct hit and wounded three men serving the howitzer. With utter disregard of his own personal safety, Private First Class Vinterella continued loading and firing the howitzer by himself until the enemy infantry was finally driven from the battery’s exposed flank. The act of gallantry displayed by Private First Class Vinterella reflects great credit on himself and the military service.