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 Samuel Meko, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the FIFTH Army Front in Italy during World War II. Staff Sergeant Meko had supervised installation of a forward switching central in a gully about 200 yards from a main road and 100 yards from a 155-millimeter howitzer batter when the battery was subjected to enemy counter-battery fire which included the area in which the switchboard was located. Ordering his men to cover, Sergeant Meko manned the switchboard during the period until a shell near the road knocked out the line to the rear board. He worked his way to the road, repaired the break, and returned to continue operation of the board. Sergeant Meko’s courageous action reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces.