The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Louis Catalano (ASN: 32017289), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 27 June 1944. Private First Class Catalano ran from cover across a burned out cane field that was under intense machine gun, rifle and mortar fire to go to the aid of several wounded men. After giving first aid to several, he ran forward to another wounded soldier. He picked him up, with the help of a comrade, and carried him back to safety. Their progress was slow, thus making them a clear slow-moving target for the enemy. Forced to stop for rest, Private First Class Catalano took extreme precaution for the safety of the wounded man. Nearing exhaustion himself, Private First Class Catalano got the man back to safety and as a result of his heroic action saved him and probably others who he had aided on the battlefield.