The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Frank L. Mazzi (ASN: 33793494), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, from 3 to 10 January 1945. When the leader of his machine gun platoon was seriously wounded during a fierce enemy counterattack, Sergeant Mazzi voluntarily assumed command of the platoon, reorganized it under heavy enemy fire, and even though he had himself sustained several wounds, directed his men in successfully covering the movement of rifle elements to more suitable defensive positions. When his unit was cut off from the remainder of the battalion, he attempted to re-establish contact, but after he had crawled some distance forward, was subjected to heavy barrages of both enemy and friendly artillery and forced to seek cover until dusk. He then made his way through enemy lines, traveling in German territory for a period of seven days without being detected, and returned to friendly units with extremely valuable information concerning enemy strength and disposition, which proved of material aid in ensuing operations. Sergeant Mazzi’s daring, resourcefulness and unwavering devotion to duty reflect high credit upon his character as a soldier.