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 Luis G. Ybarra (ASN: 18043942), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 24 January 1945 near Schweighausen, France. Acting as lead scout, Private Ybarra led his platoon across an open field toward enemy held positions in the face of intense mortar fire. Although the field offered no cover, he continued to advance without hesitation, drawing machine gun and small arms fire upon himself until he was mortally wounded. By moving heroically forward onto the enemy position and drawing their fire, he enabled his platoon to silence the hostile guns and to continue their advance.