The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Salvatore Erba (ASN: 32024686), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to April 1943. When the strategic position of an enemy machine gun nest hampered his company’s efforts to repel an enemy advance, Private Erba, although wounded by this machine gun fire, crawled within grenade range of this nest and destroyed it. 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.