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] Michael Difendis (ASN: 32903761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 17 September 1944 in France. During the attack o Hill 380 near Pont-a-Mousson, France, 17 September 1944, Staff Sergeant Difendis discovered a wounded American who was unable to move from the area from which the infantry was withdrawing in order to reorganize for another attack. Realizing that the enemy would capture the man, Staff Sergeant Difendis picked him up and while attempting to evacuate him was attacked by two armed enemy soldiers. Staff Sergeant Difendis threw a trench knife, his only weapon, and killed one of the men and closing with the other wrested his rifle from him. Although he received a hand wound in the fight he evacuated his wounded comrade to an aid station. The extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Difendis were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.