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 Private First Class Nicholas R. Distefano (ASN: 36957681), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 February 1945 in Germany. On that date, Private First Class Distefano, a rifleman, was wounded about the face and body by shell fragments during an assault into the Siegfried Line near Wallendorf, Germany. Disregarding his own wounds, he was in the act of rendering first aid to a more seriously wounded soldier when he was shot by a sniper. Still disregarding his own safety and pain, he continued with his work of mercy until mortally wounded by another sniper’s bullet. Private First Class Distefano’s courage, unselfishness, and supreme 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.