The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Sante Bianchi (ASN: 31232951), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as an artillery forward observer with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Bianchi was serving with a field artillery organization, assigned the mission of laying and maintaining communication lines between his organization and an infantry assault force to which direct fire support was being given. The enemy launched a terrific counterattack, supported by heavy artillery and mortar fire. The enemy thrust was sustained for several hours, and the communication lines were destroyed many times. With heroic devotion to duty, and complete disregard for his safety, Technician Fifth Grade Bianchi and a companion faithfully performed maintenance duties and kept the lines open for transmittal of fire directions vitally necessary in the successful repulse of the counterthrust. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Bianchi, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.