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 Michael J. Mandero (ASN: 36982968), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 3 March 1945 at Reipertswiller, France. As lead scout of a combat patrol, Private Mandero was advancing over wooded and mountainous terrain when he came under the fire of an enemy machine gun less than twenty-five yards away. From his exposed position he returned the enemy fire with his BAR, pointing out to the other members of the patrol the location of the enemy machine gun. Although wounded in the hand by fragments of an enemy hand grenade which exploded within a few feet of him, and although each of his bursts drew more enemy grenades, he remained at his position and continued firing until he could no longer hold his weapon with his injured hand. By his courageous act Private Mandero located the enemy position and enabled his patrol to continue its advance.