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 Steve A. Mauro (ASN: 32473264), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 2 October 1944, at ****, Holland. Private Mauro was an acting machine gun squad leader, Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division. On 2 October 1944 he led his squad in support of a counterattack by Company F to restore the forward positions of the 2d Battalion MLR, and acted with such courage and intrepidity that he was able to destroy a German machine gun and several enemy rifleman. When the attacking company was pinned down by enemy fire from the Denheuvel Woods, Private Mauro, supporting the attack with his machine gun squad, moved his squad through heavy fire to a position where he could place covering fire against the enemy. He directed his gun in the destruction of one enemy automatic weapon and several riflemen before an artillery hit knocked his gun out of position and disabled his crew. While enemy artillery continued to fall around his position, Private Mauro retrieved the gun and replaced the damaged parts, placing the gun back in action. He directed such effective fire that the enemy was forced to withdraw and Company F was permitted to continue its attack. 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.