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 Robert F. Shelato (ASN: 35147060), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 249th Engineer Combat Battalion, III Corps, in action on 2 January 1945, near *****, Luxembourg. On that date enemy planes strafed and set afire the truck loaded with explosives and ammunition in which Sergeant Shelato was riding. He promptly vacated the burning vehicle, but upon realizing that his wounded companion was still in the truck he returned and removed him to a place of comparative safety. He returned to the truck a second time for wound tablets with which he rendered effective first aid to his companion. Within a few seconds after he left the truck the second time, the explosives and ammunition began to explode violently. At all times during Sergeant Shelato’s actions the enemy planes remained in the near vicinity, and the threat of strafing action was constant. The courage, coolness, skill and disregard for personal safety displayed by Sergeant Shelato reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.