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 Private First Class Fred J. Veleta (ASN: 36717570), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 November 1944, in Germany. Private First Class Veleta courageously ran to the aid of a man buried in his slit trench by enemy fire. Despite the intense artillery concentration falling nearby, Private First Class Veleta attempted to assist the wounded man but was mortally wounded himself by an enemy shell. His great heroism will remain a lasting inspiration to all who observed him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.