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 Louis Palone (ASN: 33684526), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France. At 1400 hours, on 26 September 1944, Sergeant Palone left the cover of a building under sniper fire and single-handedly set up a machine gun in an exposed position to deliver accurate fire on strong enemy positions in a stone quarry near Saint Ame, France. Although 20-mm. shells fired at him by the enemy 300 yards away crashed as close as fifteen yards away, Sergeant Palone laid down such deadly fire that an enemy 20-mm. gun was knocked out, killing three enemy soldiers and wounding two. He maintained his position and fire until assault companies passed him, and then displaced to another emplacement to continue covering their successful advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Palone, 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.