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 Precilliano B. Perea (ASN: 38104937), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 24 March 1944. Private First Class Perea with three comrades occupied a key defense position in the perimeter line and held this position by fighting tenaciously to stem a pre-dawn attack by a superior number of Japanese. He fought boldly at his post inflicting casualties on the enemy despite an eye injury and wounds in his right side. He was driven from his position only after his ammunition supply was exhausted. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Perea, 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.