The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant [then Technical Sergeant] Carmine Tavalaro (ASN: 32403358), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company G, *** Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On 23 July 1944 at *****, Italy, First Sergeant Tavalaro performed with outstanding heroism and exemplary leadership in hostile fire during eight enemy counterattacks. When his platoon was fired on from all sides in the darkness while advancing in the attack on *****, the men were ordered to take cover in a nearby house. The building was immediately subjected to a murderous hail of enemy fire but First Sergeant Tavalaro courageously led his men to the upper floors, constantly exposed as he passed windows and breaks in the wall through which the Germans poured streams of tracers. Reconnoitering for the most advantageous positions in which to place his men, this sergeant stationed them throughout the house, encouraging and urging them to dogged resistance. As dawn broke the Germans counterattacked in a ferocious assault. Moving from room to room, First Sergeant Tavalaro directed the fire of his men, beating back the hostile forces. Again the Germans attacked and First Sergeant Tavalaro standing fully exposed at a window poured fire at the enemy as hostile machine gun and sniper bullets streamed past him, narrowly missing him on all sides. Eight times the Germans counterattacked and were driven back. In the bitter fighting, First Sergeant Tavalaro unflinchingly faced the full fury of enemy fire as, with deadly accuracy, he killed eight Germans and wounded eleven. Inspired by his heroic disregard of personal safety, the men drove the last of the enemy away from the house, leaving thirty five dead strewn on the ground. Twenty-one prisoners were captured and approximately one hundred of the enemy were wounded. The high order of courage exhibited by this sergeant and his heroic leadership in this desperate struggle were a vital factor in the successful defense of the house. By his outstanding gallantry at great risk to his life, First Sergeant Tavalaro has won the admiration of the entire command and his actions reflect the proudest traditions of the Armed Forces.