The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Winnie L. Viatore, Jr. (ASN: 34497295), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 August 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Viatore was serving as a member of a forward observer party directing artillery fire in support of an infantry force. The enemy launched a sudden and vigorous thrust, spearheaded by tanks. Despite the extreme hazard of remaining at their exposed forward position, Technician Fifth Grade Viatore and his comrades refused to move until directly ordered to do so. As a result of Technician Fifth Grade Viatore’s intelligent and skillful observance, his coolness under fire, and his stout personal courage, continuous artillery fire was directed on the enemy concentrations which was largely responsible for the repulse of a fierce hostile counterattack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Viatore, 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.