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 Florentino Ancira, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 85th Infantry Division in action on the FIFTH Army front in northern Italy during World War II. When his Company was pinned down by heavy fire, Sergeant Ancira, a machinegun squad leader, set up a machinegun in full view of the enemy force and directed a deadly hail of fire upon their positions. Despite repeated attempts by the enemy to drive him from his position with rifle grenades and small arms fire, Sergeant Ancira remained by his weapon, firing it alone and forcing the enemy to lift their fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.