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 First Class] Ero Waino Ahola, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 30 November 1943. On that date, his platoon was attacking Mount Raimo and came under intense enemy small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Ahola immediately returned the fire with his Browning Automatic Rifle from a perfectly open position and continued firing until he ran completely out of ammunition. His accurate delivery of fire at point-blank range resulted in an estimated 20 Germans killed or wounded, and was primarily responsible for repelling the attack. His fearless sand and efficient performance of duty reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.