The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Anthony L. Romano (ASN: RA-12736946), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Romano distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1967 while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) in the Republic of Vietnam. Private Romano was a member of the platoon that was securing the landing zone for the purpose of the extraction of Company A’s sister elements. When word came that a large force of North Vietnamese was approaching from the rear, Private Romano immediately moved to the rear, assumed the most favorable defensive position, and began placing heavy fire on the enemy. As Company A began regrouping to fight its way back to the friendly elements, Private Romano, without order, remained in his highly exposed position despite the withering volume of automatic weapons, grenade and mortar fire with only a few men to aid him in holding off the large North Vietnamese force until the rear of Company A was no longer in danger. When Private Romano was certain that the rear was safe, he immediately moved to the front which was the scene of vicious fighting. It was there that he was seriously wounded. Although wounded he continued to move from position to position, refusing medical aid, throwing back the enemy’s counter attack. During this time he moved in front of the lines to drag a wounded comrade to safety, completely ignoring the enemy’s fire and his own wound. Private Romano’s display of courage, complete disregard for his own personal safety and initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the United States Army.