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) Ovidio J. Bertoli (ASN: 0-885627), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company *, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. At about 1500, on ** March 1943, the company commander of Company *, Lieutenant Decker, was wounded fatally and no office remained in the company to take charge. Lieutenant Bertoli, Commander of Company *, attached to Company *, assumed command and with First Sergeant Heyn, proceeded to keep order in the company. The men were kept in position and alert against the attack which struck about 1600. During the attack and immediately thereafter, Lieutenant Bertoli moved constantly among the men and by tactfully talking and joking kept the position secure.