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 Fourth Grade Thomas J. Petrozzello (ASN: 32911539), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. On 15 March 1945, near Utweiler, Germany, Technician Fourth Grade Petrozzello was a member of an artillery section attached to an Infantry Battalion which was attacking through a heavy minefield. The noise of exploding mines attracted heavy enemy artillery fire and the company commander and artillery forward observer became casualties, and the artillery radio was knocked out. Technician Fourth Grade Petrozzello, despite heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire, worked his way through the minefield to a flanking company where he arranged for artillery support with the Artillery Liaison Officer. Upon returning and finding all the company medics casualties, he again made his way through the thick minefields and guided litter squads back to the many wounded in need of immediate aid. Then organizing his own litter squads, he helped carry wounded men to the safety of a slit-trench to the rear. His courageous action re-established artillery support for his infantry unit, and was a deciding factor in saving the lives of many wounded. 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.