Patrick M. Ristaino

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Patrick M. Ristaino (11111492), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, 61st Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, at Offenbach, Germany, on 22 March 1945. Technical Sergeant Ristaino, braving fierce enemy fire, assumed command of and personally led an infantry platoon in a successful attack upon hostile positions, and although painfully wounded, refused evacuation until he had directed the evacuation of 18 wounded comrades. His gallant achievement reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States.