The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Arthur C. Mees (ASN: 39600366), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During an attack on Hill 673, overlooking the town of San Fratello, Sicily, 6 August 1943, enemy artillery shells set the communication wire leading to the attacking rifle companies from the Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. Sergeant Mees set out immediately to find and repair the break. As he made his way up the exceedingly steep hill, the enemy artillery fire became much heavier and seemed to hem in the area where the break occurred. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Mees continued into the area being shelled. He found the break and repaired it, which action took approximately twenty minutes under intense artillery fire falling within ten yards of him. Sergeant Mees’ action greatly aided in maintaining communication and control in this very critical period of attack. His outstanding devotion to duty and manifestation of unusual courage were a great credit to himself and the military service.