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 Apolonie F. Munoz (ASN: 38441947), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 18 February 1945. Private First Class Milton Brown and Private First Class Apolonie F Munoz, both automatic riflemen in the lead of their unit’s attack against a heavily fortified building in the Paco District of South Manila, ran under Japanese machine gun and rifle fire across an open area to a doorway. Pointing their weapons inside the building, they raked the interior of the structure from side to side, then dashed in to take up defensive positions. Hus situated, Privates First Class Brown and Munoz covered the advance of engineers who placed demolitions to break down the enemy barricades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Munoz, 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.