The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Ben L. Nicolosi (ASN: 0-1822718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 692d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 18 – 19 March 1945 near Ludwigswinkel, Germany. Lieutenant Nicolosi was commanding a Tank Destroyer platoon on 18 March 1945, when our troops succeeded in capturing intact two bridges in the vicinity of Ludwigswinkel, Germany, attaining a valuable point of entry into the defenses of the Siegfried Line. Anticipating a possible enemy counter-attack to regain the bridges, Lieutenant Nicolosi led his platoon under heavy enemy artillery mortar and small arms fire to the bridge and established an anti-tank defense. The following morning he learned that fifteen enemy tanks were proceeding toward the bridgehead. Moving his Tank Destroyers from their positions, Lieutenant Nicolosi led them on foot in the face of intense enemy artillery and mortar fire, reconnoitering the route and seeking favorable firing positions for his weapons, in order to stop the impending attack. While proceeding at the head of the platoon, Lieutenant Nicolosi was killed by a mortar burst. His courageous leadership, daring initiative, and gallant self-sacrifice have been an undying inspiration to his men and are worthy of the highest praise.