The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Vando N. Gabriellini (ASN: 39010328), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 4 December 1944, in France. While occupying a position outside of Cappel, France, Battery B, *** Field Artillery Battalion, received enemy counter battery fire. All gun positions were being shelled and it was extremely difficult to fire assigned missions. At about 1400 hours shells were landing dangerously close to Gun No. 1. The members of the Gun Crew were forced to leave the piece and hit their fox holes. When the order came down for Gun No. 1 to fire if possible, Corporal Gabriellini, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and without waiting for the rest of the crew, rushed to the piece, adjusted the sight, loaded the piece, and fired the gun single-handed, as enemy shells continued to explode around the area. Corporal Gabriellini’s courageous action inspired the entire section and under enemy artillery fire they continued to fire assigned missions. The courageous actions and devotion to duty of Corporal Gabriellini reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.