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 Jesus Chavez (ASN: 38286076), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 20 December 1944 to 21 December 1944, in Belgium. When the enemy suddenly launched a severe counterattack, Private First Class Chavez and three comrades took a heavy toll on the attacking force with their machine gun until it was knocked out by direct tank fire. Gallantly refusing to yield ground, they fought on with their carbines and pistols and, when the enemy came only thirty yards away, with grenades. The enemy, unable to advance against such heroic resistance, suddenly gave up the attack and withdrew. Private First Class Chavez and his comrades remained under constant fire directed at their position throughout the night and fought off two more attempts to overrun them. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Chavez, 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.