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 Technical Sergeant Andrew P. Lopez (ASN: 3201760), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, near Serra ‘Alano, Italy. In the initial assault in the final offensive in Italy, an infantry company captured their first objective, a hill, and withdrew to the reverse slope to reorganize. With his platoon leader a casualty, Technical Sergeant Lopez took command of his platoon. While he was getting his men ready to continue the advance, he observed a group of the enemy setting up a machine gun on the crest of the hill. Immediately he stepped out into the open, exposed to heavy mortar and sniper fire and, taking careful aim, fired a rifle grenade onto the hostile force which killed one and wounded two others. As three other enemy retreated towards their own lines, he aggressively pursued them across the sky line in spite of heavy machine gun fire. Turning, he called for his platoon to come forward. When a concealed enemy machine gun pinned his men down, he directed the fire of one of his machine guns in neutralizing the enemy position, enabling another platoon to come forward. Then he maneuvered his men along a ridge to take up defensive positions on the forward slope. Eight more of the enemy surrendered, thus eliminating a force which had been gathering for a counterattack. By his gallant leadership, and his many heroic deeds during the action, Technical Sergeant Lopez enabled his company to hold their objective, and launch further attacks from this commanding position. Such splendid courage and skillful tactics are truly worthy of the finest traditions of the United States Army.