The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Pedro Guajardo (ASN: 38240597), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 October 1944, near Belvedere, Italy. Sergeant Guajardo displayed conspicuous gallantry and heroic leadership in hostile fire while assaulting enemy positions. When his machine gun platoon, supporting a rifle company, attacked German positions, the resistance was very determined. As his men stormed an enemy position, withering fire cut down Sergeant Guajardo, piercing his right arm as seven men of his section were wounded about him. Disregarding his wound, and the deadly enemy fire, Sergeant Guajardo made his way among his men reorganizing them and putting both of his machine guns into action. In the intense enemy fire, both gunners of one of the crews were killed. Immediately pulling himself to the silenced weapon in spite of his useless arm. Sergeant Guajardo put the gun into action, knocking out the enemy guns, killing two of their crew. No longer halted by the enemy machine gun fire, the riflemen advanced to assault the remaining German positions. Joining the first assault wave, this courageous sergeant charged forward in the face of enemy guns, firing his pistol with his left hand, aided in seizing the strong point and inflicting many casualties, ten Germans having been killed and eighteen captured. The aggressive leadership and gallant action of Sergeant Guajardo were decisive factors in the seizure of the objective, and the killing or capturing of the entire hostile force. His courageous example was an inspiration to his men, and typifies the fighting traditions of the American Infantry Soldier.