The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Rocco P. DeFelice (ASN: 33590027), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 424th Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, on 16 December 1944, in Germany. Remaining at his post after having been painfully wounded during the intense barrage that signaled the enemy’s Ardennes attack, Staff Sergeant DeFelice heroically kept his 57-mm. anti-tank gun in action despite a continuing rain of German mortar and artillery fire. Observing three enemy tanks supported by infantry approaching, Staff Sergeant DeFelice coolly withheld his fire until they moved to within one hundred fifty yards of his emplacement. Then, completely surprising the enemy, and with telling accuracy, he knocked out two of the tanks in quick succession. When his gun was demolished by a direct hit, Staff Sergeant DeFelice, forced to withdraw, skillfully led his shock-dazed crew to safety.