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 A. Mercurio (ASN: 42002867), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 October 1944, in Germany. When a friendly tank was set afire by an enemy shell, three of the crew members extricated themselves from the wreckage and a fourth man, his clothing ablaze, struggled to get through the hatch but fell back inside the tank. Hearing his cries of anguish, Private First Class Mercurio, with complete disregard for the intense enemy fire which covered the area, rushed to the burning tank and assisted in getting the wounded man out. Although suffering from painful burns himself, Private First Class Mercurio rolled his wounded comrade in a blanket until the flames were extinguished and secured a medical aidman so that prompt treatment could be given, which saved the man’s life. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Mercurio, 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.