The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Sergeant] Edward A. Plona (ASN: 6979521), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, on 3 August 1943. When intense fire from an enemy machine-gun impeded his platoon’s advance, Technical Sergeant Plona, directing his men to cover his movement, crept forward and silenced the enemy gun with hand grenades; he then fearlessly led a successful assault on enemy positions. Sergeant Plona’s initiative enabled his platoon to take its objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.