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 Joseph M. Lapenta, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 January 1944, in the vicinity of ****, Italy. Private Lapenta, a scout of an assault unit, took command of his squad when both leaders were wounded int eh bitterly fought crossing of the Rapido River. Leading his men successfully over the treacherous waters, he determinedly advanced up the bank over open heavily mined terrain and through an intense concentration of enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire. Cutting through hazardous barbed wire entanglements, he advanced with great daring to within close range of the well-fortified enemy positions and led a fierce assault against hem. Although seriously wounded in this action, Private Lapenta repeatedly continued to expose himself in encouraging and directing his men, and when their position became untenable, he ordered their withdrawal while he kept up a protective fire covering them. He was fatally wounded while maintaining his devastating fire on the enemy.