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 Peter Pavlakis (ASN: 31385040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945 in the Hardt Mountains, France. When the advance of his company was held up by heavy mortar and small arms fire, Sergeant Pavlakis led his squad down a hill toward a German machine gun position. Boldly exposing himself, he drew heavy enemy fire while his squad worked its way around the hostile emplacement to a point from which effective fire could be placed on the enemy. Sergeant Pavlakis then advanced alone toward the position and destroyed the German machine gun with a hand grenade, enabling his company to continue its advance. His courage and aggressiveness were effective contributions to the combat success of his company.