The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Federico Pagani, Jr. (ASN: RA-6674617), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 November 1950, near Kowan, Korea, Sergeant Pagani was in charge of a section of his platoon when it had established contact with a numerically superior enemy force. The platoon was receiving heavy automatic fire on its front and flanks from the enemy. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Pagani stood erect in the face of intense enemy fire directing the movement of and issuing orders to his section as they made an enveloping movement against an enemy-occupied village. Later he personally led his section in an assault across a river, which was swept by enemy fire, in aiding his platoon secure a hill on the opposite side. Throughout both maneuvers Sergeant Pagani was at the lead of his section. Sergeant Pagani’s outstanding leadership and gallantry were not only inspirational but were successful in the seizure of the village and the hill. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.