(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Michael A. Varano, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 6th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in February 1945. Private Varano, a Medical Aidman, was searching for wounded and was proceeding under heavy fire and across thickly-mined areas, when he came upon a wounded party with one lieutenant and eight enlisted men, all suffering wounds. Their condition was critical and there was no time to lose. Private Varano improvised a floating litter and swam the rifer towing one man at a time until all were evacuated to relative safety for treatment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Varano, 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.