The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private] Rocco M. Zuccarella (ASN: 42059001), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Under intense enemy fire Sergeant Zuccarella covered members of his platoon with machine gun fire while they took cover. He then advanced 800 yards under machine gun, artillery, mortar and small arms fire to lead twelve men to safety. Sergeant Zuccarella’s actions reflect greatest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.