The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Anthony Montesano (ASN: 36691614), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When 40 enemy soldiers 75 to 200 yards distant ambushed a rifle platoon and machine gun squad wounding the machine gunner, near Frenchville, France, on the morning of 16 September 1944, Private First Class Montesano, assistant light machine gunner, laid down an intense screen of fire. The enemy replied with strong small arms fire which once hit the machine gun tripod. When the first gunner sufficiently recovered from a grazing head wound, Private First Class Montesano ran 400 yards through strong sniper fire to get two belts of ammunition and returned to maintain such intense fire on the enemy that they were forced to withdraw leaving seven dead and nine 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.