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 Frank M. O’Connell, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 29 February 1944. When a group of attacking Germans became entangled in his Infantry company’s defensive wire in a ditch on the morning of 29 February 1944, Private O’Connell left his foxhole and ran 75 yards across exposed terrain under automatic weapons and artillery fire to engage them. Capturing one wounded man, he took four more German prisoners and began returning with them toward his own lines under continuing enemy artillery fire which fell within 25 to 50 yards of him. When he was within 45 yards of friendly positions he was wounded in the arm by German small arms fire, but continued and brought the prisoners back. 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 and the United States Army.