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 Private Rosario M. Christeno (ASN: 31344757), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 21 January 1944. Private Christeno’s unit was ordered to cross a river in Italy and attack the enemy entrenched in the terrain beyond. The attack was launched under terrific enemy artillery, nebelwerfer, mortar, and small arms fire from a deep, fast-flowing river and over ground further protected by mine fields, booby traps, and barbed wire. Cover was negligible in the last 700 yards on the river approaches which further complicated the difficulties encountered din bringing boats and other equipment to the river line. Many boats were destroyed before reaching the river and many others were destroyed in the water by short range enemy small arms fire. Some of the occupants of boats destroyed in the rifer were hit and all were thrown into deep water. In the face of all these obstacles, Private Christeno and other Infantrymen pressed home the attack, crossing the river and penetrating deeply into enemy territory. Subsequently, repeated savage counterattacks by the enemy succeeded in overrunning the positions. In the furious fighting which continued over a two-day period and which cost the enemy enormous casualties in killed and wounded, he lost his life. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Christeno, 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.