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 Patsy J. Chimeri (ASN: 20254282), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Dessau, Germany, on 20 April 1945. When his machine gun section became surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force, Private Chimeri, despite an intense small arms and automatic weapons barrage, courageously accompanied comrades across perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point. He then fearlessly directed accurate fire, inflicted severe casualties and compelled the hostile troops to withdraw, thereby enabling his unit to seize a vitally important objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.