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 Gordon J. Quinn, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy on 16 February 1944. Private First Class Quinn was a member of an Infantry patrol that was forward of the beachhead line to determine enemy identifications. When the patrol came under heavy machine pistol fire from a German group, he brought them under fire from his rifle, wounding two and forcing the rest to cease firing and seek cover. During this action he remained in an exposed position and was himself wounded. His accurate and timely fire made possible the safe return of the patrol. 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.