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 Frank J. Taddeo (ASN: 32851508), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 8 February 1945, in Luxembourg. Sergeant Taddeo, as Chief of Section, showed outstanding devotion to duty in protecting his artillery piece from damage while his position was being shelled by the enemy. Enemy fire started a blaze in a powder pit and Sergeant Taddeo, knowing that the fire would attract additional enemy fire, removed the smoldering powder from the vicinity of the blaze and prevented the fire from spreading to his artillery piece. A total of thirteen rounds hit in his battery area, two of which fell while Sergeant Taddeo was extinguishing the blaze. Two of these rounds were within 75 feet of his piece. His outstanding devotion to duty protected the lives of his men; prevented damage to his howitzer, and saved valuable powder from destruction. His actions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.