The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James Costanza (ASN: 6979054), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Ferme Cantne, Algeria, 10 November 1942. During the Oran Offensive, Corporal Costanza, in charge of a 105-mm. self-propelled howitzer, ordered his crew to advance to the weapon to within approximately fifty yards of a heavily fortified enemy position. After firing directly upon this enemy position, he ordered the vehicle rammed against the stone wall behind which the enemy was concealed; this silenced the enemy guns and aided in the capture of twenty-five prisoners. 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.