The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade [then Private First Class] Philip W. Petronis (ASN: 32179039), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 33d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. Throughout a heavy enemy artillery bombardment, Corporal Petronis, although exposed to the enemy, operated a radio from a forward observation post, thereby enabling the direction of such accurate fire upon the enemy as to compel their rapid withdrawal. 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.