The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Carl Salamoni (MCSN: 339561), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Volupal Plantation and at Mount Schleuther, during a drive on Talasea, New Britain, on 6 and 7 March 1944. After participating in an operation against the Japanese and familiarizing himself with the terrain, Private First Class Salamoni volunteered to guide a tank against enemy strongholds and, although inexperienced it its operations and in the firing of machine guns, replaced the gunner and, after brief instructions, directed the attack over difficult jungle terrain. Guiding the vehicle skillfully and effectively, he enabled it to destroy a number of Japanese strong points, completely routing the hostile forces and thereby allowing the advance to continue. While assisting in an attempt to repulse an enemy thrust on another occasion, he made his way forward of the front lines through heavy machine-gun and mortar fire to recover an abandoned, inoperative machine gun and, despite his slight knowledge of its mechanism, repaired the gun. Delivering sporadic but effective fire upon the treacherous enemy by repeatedly operating the bolt and ammunition belt by hand, he contributed materially in slowing up the hostile attack, thereby aiding the battalion in launching a flanking counterattack which routed the Japanese from the immediate vicinity. His great courage, daring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.