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 Albert Salvadore Ianacone (ASN: 32894351), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 December 1944, near Cheneux, Belgium. After capturing the village of Cheneux, Belgium, the badly depleted and disorganized units were in the process of reorganizing to prepare for the defense of the town. Private First Class Ianacone and another man were placed in an outpost position which was soon attacked by the enemy. Private First Class Ianacone, realizing that his platoon was not completely dug in at the time, remained in position until the enemy forces of approximately fifteen men reached a point within ten yards, then opened fire. The enemy patrol deployed and attacked Private First Class Ianacone with a machine gun, automatic pistols, rifles, and grenades causing Private First Class Ianacone to be painfully wounded. Despite his almost hopeless situation, Private First Class Ianacone continued to fight until he knocked out the enemy machine gun with a hand grenade. After losing their machine gun and four of their men, the enemy patrol withdrew. Private First Class Ianacone’s gallant action in the face of overwhelming odds delayed an enemy counterattack in force. His exemplary conduct reflect great credit upon himself and the unit in which he serves.