The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Vincent A. Caringola (ASN: 0-1288007), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Anti-Tank Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 at Hatten, France. Captain Caringola was serving as Commanding Officer, Anti-Tank Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, when the enemy attacked Hatten on 9 January 1945. Spearheaded by armor, the attacking force over-ran the anti-tank positions of the 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, east of the town and severed communications with the supporting Tank Destroyer unit. Running across open terrain under intense enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, Captain Caringola coordinated the fire of the Tank Destroyers with that of the 1st Platoon of his Company, accounting for a number of German tanks. As the enemy attack knocked out some of his guns, Captain Caringola made his way to Hatten in the face of heavy fire from enemy artillery, mortars and snipers, organized launcher and grenade teams to cover the mine field, and, still under fire, directed the placing of the mines. As a result of his daring initiative, skillful planning, and outstanding devotion to duty numerous enemy tanks were destroyed and the German attack greatly delayed.