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 Mario A. Esposito (ASN: 12021286), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily during the period from July through October 1943. When his platoon was subjected to intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire and was compelled to withdraw to a more tenable position, Sergeant Esposito remained in a forward area and covered the withdrawal. When all his men had reached safety, Sergeant Esposito crawled through direct enemy fire to a wounded man’s aid and evacuated him. His coolness under fire and unselfish actions won him the admiration of his men. Staff Sergeant Esposito’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.