The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Albert E. Santino (ASN: 33450985), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 November 1944 in France. After liberating Chemery, France, on 16 November 1944, and while still consolidating the position, the company in which Sergeant Santino serves as communications sergeant was subjected to an intense artillery barrage which destroyed wire communication to the command post. Realizing that a counterattack was imminent, Sergeant Santino moved about the area with his radio seeking a position from which he could contact the battalion. Even though wounded by a shell fragment, he operated the radio until exhaustion forced his evacuation. Sergeant Santino’s courage, initiative, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.