the President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James Compnotta (ASN: 15012236), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, while temporarily attached to the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. When his company was in a defensive position, Sergeant Compnotta assisted by another enlisted man, volunteered to destroy enemy snipers firing on a platoon of his company from high, commanding ground. Sergeant Compnotta boldly worked his way forward and, by storming their position, killed the enemy snipers. Sergeant Compnotta’s 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.