The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Henry U. Valencia (ASN: 38626392), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 25 January 1945, in the vicinity of Jebsheim, France. Although under intense mortar, machine gun and machine pistol fire, Private First Class Valencia crawled out in front of the enemy lines to rescue a wounded man. As he was returning with the man, an enemy burst of fire struck him in the legs. In spite of his injury, Private First Class Valencia carried on his attempted rescue until another burst of fire killed him just short of safety. The wounded man survived, Private First Class Valencia’s outstanding gallantry is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.