The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Geacomo Arturo G. Parolini, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Machine Gun Control Officer on board the U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Okinawa Area on 16 April 1945. When the machine guns under his command were put out of action after shooting down one enemy plane, and hazardous fires were started as result of enemy air attacks, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Parolini directed fire fighting efforts until the flames were under control and, despite a painful leg injury, strafing and exploding ammunition, directed the evacuation of the wounded to battle dressing stations. By his leadership and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Parolini upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.