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 Joseph Abbaleo (ASN: 42003659), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 20 February 1945. Members of a mine-laying detail engaged in laying mines at a cross roads, where trapped between enemy fire from their front and an enemy outpost which had allowed them to infiltrate beyond the position. Private Abbaleo, a rifleman on outpost duty, opened fire on the enemy, pinning them to position and allowing the mine-laying detail to withdraw. He then made a reconnaissance of the area, went forward with the mine-laying detail a second time and protected their operations, placing accurate automatic rifle fire on enemy positions, then covered their return after the mines had been laid. 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.