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 [then Corporal] Lee E. Lovelady (ASN: 19075539), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 July 1943, at a point 5 miles north of *** *** ***, Sicily. Sergeant Lovelady, leading a small group of men, attacked an enemy pillbox. When their advance was halted Sergeant Lovelady, without cover of natural protection, and in utter disregard for his own safety, advanced alone toward the enemy, firing his light machine gun from the hip. He forced the enemy to surrender the position he assaulted. 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.