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 Mike Mastromatteo (ASN: 35003529), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on ** July 1943, five miles north of ****. Private First Class Mastromatteo was a member of a patrol that first captured a pillbox containing one Italian Lieutenant and six enlisted men. Private First Class Mastromatteo, who speak Italian fluently, took command, and with the Italian Lieutenant and enemy enlisted men marched toward other enemy positions. Wherever enemy fire was encountered, he and the Italian Lieutenant gave the command to surrender. On numerous occasions heavy enemy fire was encountered and it was necessary for Private First Class Mastromatteo to advance in the face of this fire in order that the surrender orders might be heard inside the concrete pillboxes. During the entire action Private First Class Mastromatteo had no concern for his personal safety and it was not until the area was cleared of enemy installations and 63 prisoners captured that he ceased his efforts. Private First Class Mastromatteo’s action enabled his battalion to advance without suffering numerous casualties that would have resulted had not the enemy surrendered. 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.