The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Septimus Cappelli (ASN: 33105771), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 February 1945. A by-passed enemy force was emplaced in a pillbox behind three heavy machine guns, thereby threatening the rear of an assault company. Sergeant Cappelli ordered his machine gun section to engage the Japanese, directed their fire from an exposed position, and kept the guns neutralized for two hours. When ammunition began to run low, Sergeant Cappelli, with one of his men, attacked the pillbox and destroyed the occupants. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Cappelli, 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.