The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Michael J. Jannone, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When an enemy machine gun and rifle fire from positions 400 to 600 yards distant, temporarily halted his company near Kayersberg, France, the morning of 17 December 1944, Staff Sergeant Jannone, squad leader, dispersed his men and crawled forward 380 yards through intense fire. Reaching a position within 20 yards of the enemy, he hurled two grenades which killed two Germans and wounded a third. He then poured M-1 rifle fire into the enemy positions to kill one more German and force the capture of two. Staff Sergeant Jannone then reorganized his squad and forced the remaining Germans to withdraw. 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.