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 Roberto Soto (ASN: 38438355), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 January 1945, near Saarlautern, Germany. Private Soto was hurling a hand grenade at a German machine gun emplacement to save from annihilation a squad of friendly riflemen advancing into range of the hidden emplacement. As the grenade left his hand the Germans opened fire and killed him instantly. The grenade then exploded in the midst of the enemy position, killing two members of the machine gun crew. Private Soto’s heroic act reflects lasting honors on him and is in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service.