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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank F. Ailio (ASN: 0-1055200), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 February 1945, in the vicinity of Bliesgersweiler, Germany. When a rifle platoon was pinned down by enemy fire, Lieutenant Ailio, in the face of intense mortar and machine gun fire, enabled the rifle platoon which he was supporting to drive the enemy from the woods and fulfill its mission by leading his heavy machine gun section, emplacing it skillfully and setting up the most advantageous base of fire for each gun. Lieutenant Ailio was killed during this action. His gallant sacrifice and courageous leadership remain as a lasting inspiration to his men and are in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.