The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Angelo T. Afilani, Jr. (MCSN: 1335441), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 5 – 6 April 1953. With his squad assigned the mission of eliminating a hostile ambush and evacuating many serious casualties sustained by a friendly patrol during a bitter engagement far forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Afilani delivered devastating fire upon the hostile force during the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, personally killing three and wounding two of the enemy. Although painfully wounded, he refused evacuation and gallantly made three trips through a hail of murderous enemy fire in order to aid in the evacuation of his more critically wounded comrades. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and resourcefulness, Private First Class Afilani contributed materially to the success of the patrol in disengaging from the numerically superior hostile force. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.