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 Len A. Salminen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 34th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Italy, during World War II. When pinned down by intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Private First Class Salminen observed the disposition of the enemy. He worked his way up to the enemy gun, killed the gunner, wounded the assistant gunner, and forced protecting enemy riflemen to withdraw. The courage and fighting spirit he displayed in closing with the enemy was outstanding and by cleaning out the machine gun nest he enabled his platoon to capture their objective. 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.