The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Ferdinand M. Martin (ASN: 32056923), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman in the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On 11 August 1943, in the vicinity of *****, Sicily, with complete disregard for personal safety, Staff Sergeant Martin passed through what he knew to be a heavily mined area to render first aid to men who had been injured by anti-personnel mine explosions. While he was bringing aid and relief to the injured men, another enemy mine exploded and Staff Sergeant Martin was killed. His personal courage and bravery have been an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions and his devotion to duty upholds the highest traditions of the Army of the United States.