The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Casper Lucero (ASN: 39018223), United States Army, for gallantry in action on or about 5 October 1943, about two miles from ****, Italy. Private Lucero, Radio Operator, Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, was a member of a patrol detailed to neutralize an enemy machine gun position holding up the right flank of his company. The only available vantage point was a house under direct mortar fire, but Private Lucero crawled to it and from its walls delivered such effective protective fire that his patrol was enabled to cross the open ground and wipe out the machine gun. A direct mortar hit on the house killed Private Lucero, but his coolness and courage in the face of almost certain death contributed materially to the successful execution of his company’s mission. 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.