The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Fred Ramirez Chavez (ASN: 39283181), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 53d Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 4 December 1944. During the attack on Domfessel, France, Sergeant Chavez’ platoon leader was killed and he took command. At the time he was a brand new replacement in the company, and had only seven men left in the platoon to command and to carry out regular platoon missions. With these few men, he carried on, and during the attack on Domfessel, he, alone, approached a German pillbox and demanded the Germans surrender. By so doing he captured 22 Germans, including a major and three lieutenants. He then rendered the pill box ineffective by using incendiary grenades in the doors and ports. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.