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 Sergeant Orlando A. Pepe (ASN: 6886586), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through July 1943. During a savage engagement with the enemy, Sergeant Pepe discovered two men, both wounded in the legs, lying on a hill in direct line of enemy machine gun fire. At the risk of his life, Sergeant Pepe crawled to the aid of the wounded men and succeeded in evacuating them through intense enemy machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire to a place of safety. 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.