The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Quirino C. Rojas (ASN: 6957641), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in action in the vicinity of Alimena, Sicily, 21 July 1943. When the advance of his platoon was retarded by deadly enemy machine-gun fire, Sergeant Rojas volunteered to attack the enemy frontally while his platoon maneuvered around the gun. His courageous action in drawing fire away from his platoon enabled the destruction of the enemy weapon. 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.