The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) Cornelius W. Friedrichsen (ASN: 0-337762), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the *** Coast Artillery (Anti-Aircraft) Battalion (Self Propelled), 2626th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade (Prov.), in action near Salerno, Italy, on 9 September 1943. During the landings in Italy and while under intense fire from enemy tank artillery and small arms, Captain Friedrichsen personally directed enlisted personnel in the maneuvering of a prime mover attempting to haul a 40-mm. anti-aircraft gun off the landing craft and onto the beach and, when this failed, personally assisted the enlisted personnel in man-handling the gun into position on the beach and in digging the gun into position to expedite protection for gun and crew. Later, when enemy tanks attacked, Captain Friedrichsen personally assisted in pointing the gun at the tanks and so directed the fire as to break up the attack. On the afternoon of the same day, Captain Friedrichsen patrolled the beach north of his designated battalion area, organized gun crews and directed them to their proper positions, again while the beaches were under intense enemy tank, artillery and small arms fire. By his courage, coolness and devotion to duty under fire, Captain Friedrichsen upheld the highest traditions of military service and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.