The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Morris J. Passo (ASN: 42074237), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 March 1945, in the vicinity of Hartungshof, Germany. During his company’s attack, Private First Class Passo’s squad was cut off by the enemy. He voluntarily remained with a wounded soldier and for three hours exposed himself time and again by running into the middle of the street to pick up ammunition thrown to him by other members of his squad who were unable to reach him because of heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. When litter bearers arrived, Private First Class Passo helped evacuate the wounded soldier and again joined in the attack. His gallantry and heroism are in accord with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.