The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Private] Fred Costilla (ASN: 0-1998721), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 February 1944, in Italy. When enemy infantry elements, supported by artillery and mortar fire, launched a powerful counterattack, the left flank of Company C’s defenses was threatened by the hostile troops. The platoon occupying the left flank suffered heavy casualties; the platoon leader was killed, and all the non-commissioned officers were either killed or wounded. Acting entirely on his own initiative, Private Costilla immediately assumed command of the platoon. Braving heavy small arms, artillery and mortar fire, he swiftly reorganized his men and encouraged them to hold their ground in the face of the enemy onslaught. Although he was painfully wounded by hurtling shell fragments, he valiantly led his platoon in stopping the assault and driving back the hostile troops. His valor and aggressiveness inspired his men to fight with renewed aggressiveness and repel the enemy thrust. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Fred Costilla (ASN: 0-1998721), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 December 1944, in France. When the Commanding Officer of Company C became a casualty during a house-to-house attack on a town, Lieutenant Costilla assumed command of the company and personally led it in the fighting that followed. In directing the operation he frequently exposed himself to mortar and artillery fire, and to small arms fire from enemy located in nearby houses. When its sector had been cleared, Lieutenant Costilla quickly reorganized the company and directed the establishment of defensive positions on the outskirts of town. Heavy machine gun fire wounded several members of the company, and prevented the establishment of a strong point at a crossroads. Lieutenant Costilla gathered a small force and, with bullets striking within inches of him, personally led the assault that drove off the enemy and established the strong point. Lieutenant Costilla’s initiative, courage and leadership contributed materially to the taking of the town, and to the successful defense against an aggressive enemy during the night which followed. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.