The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Antonio Pepe (ASN: 12014300), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Pinamopoan, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 6 November 1944. Sergeant Pepe volunteered to go to the rear to bring up vitally needed machine gun and mortar ammunition. With utter disregard for his own safety he crossed ground in a truck under intense enemy fire. Upon returning with ammunition, the truck was hit, putting it out of action. Sergeant Pepe jumped out of the truck and assisted in the defense of this ammunition, securing it until elements of his unit were able to reach it. He gave his life for this cause. Sergeant Pepe’s courage and determination are a credit to himself and are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.