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 Andrew H. Konkol (ASN: 35043594), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 – 10 July 1943, four miles southeast of ****, Sicily. Private First Class Konkol fractured his knee in a combat parachute jump southeast of ****, Sicily on 9 July 1943. He marched across country, taking part in guerrilla skirmished until the night of 10 July 1943, at which time he took part in the engagement northwest of ****, Sicily, against a portion of the **** **** **** Division. He made not complaint of the fractured knee during the two days of fighting. The morning of 10 July 1943, he reported to the medical aid station and was sent to the hospital to be treated for a fractured knee. In this gallant action Private First Class Konkol acquitted himself in a manner reflecting credit on himself and his country. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.