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 Clarence J. Melanson (ASN: 31295493), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 May 1944 near Careno, Italy. During an artillery preparation preceding a determined enemy attack, Private First Class Melanson, a machine gunner, was wounded in the hand by shell fragments. Despite his painful wound, he refused medical attention and delivered accurate fire on the attacking enemy infantry for four hours until the attack was repulsed. The gallantry which he displayed by remaining at his weapon in spite of a painful wound and intense artillery fire, contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy assault and is deserving of much praise.