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 DeStefano, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy during World War II. Under continual strafing from enemy planes, Private First Class DeStefano was the first to leave his boat in an assault landing when it became apparent the vessel had beached on a sandbar. Removing his pack, which contained a modicum of buoyancy, he held onto it to the keep afloat when he observed an officer weighted with equipment struggling to remain on the surface. Although tired and fully clothed, Private First Class DeStefano swam to the officer and gave him the buoyant pack. Swimming with great difficulty and approaching exhaustion, and while under repeated airplane strafing, Private First Class DeStefano succeeded in reaching the beach with the officer. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.