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 Leo J. Gianolini (ASN: 39089253), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 7 March 1945. After the entire crew of a supporting tank had been either killed or seriously wounded during the course of an attack on enemy strongpoints near ****, Private Gianolini, a motor messenger, of his own volition and without regard for personal safety, made his way to the damaged tank, extricated the wounded occupants, placed them on his vehicle, and evacuated them to an aid station. His heroic actions performed without hesitation despite heavy shellfire then falling in the immediate vicinity, resulted in saving the lives of several wounded comrades-in-arms. 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.