The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Julian Martinez Alvarez (ASN: US-54717245), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Alvarez was serving as a rifleman of the Third Platoon of Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, while on a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 January 1967. The unit was brought under fire by a reinforced North Vietnamese squad size force armed with automatic weapons. Private Alvarez was seriously wounded in the initial contact but he ignored the serious nature of his wounds and returned the enemy fire in an attempt to gain fire superiority. Private Alvarez continued to maneuver in order to establish a better firing position. His accurate and heavy volume of fire had the desired effect of silencing the enemy fire but he was wounded again, this time fatally. Private Alvarez’s heroic action contributed greatly to the success of the company mission. Private Alvarez’s outstanding aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.