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 Albert C. Lodovici (ASN: 33422493), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 27 December 1944, one and one-half miles from ****, Belgium. Private Lodovici, when an enemy armored vehicle penetrated to within a few hundred yards of his company’s lines, moved out voluntarily without orders and alone to meet it. Despite heavy small arms and artillery fire sweeping the open ground, Private Lodovici ran and crawled to close range and stopped the vehicle with a single rifle grenade. As he moved closer, one enemy soldier leaped from the vehicle and attempted to run but Private Lodovici killed him. Another enemy soldier attempted to fire from the vehicle but Private Lodovici wounded him. Securing five other enemy soldiers from the vehicle, Private Lodovici returned them to his own lines over the fire-swept open ground. Information obtained from the prisoners played an important part in successful attacks of a few hours later. 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.