The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louis G. Chapas (ASN: 32871587), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. While leading a mounted patrol, Corporal Chapas, mounted in a one-quarter ton vehicle, encountered heavy machine gun and small arms fire. He attempted to pin the enemy down by the use of grenades, advancing to within twenty yards of their position. He then returned to his vehicle and manned the machine gun. While firing on the enemy he was wounded. He secured his grenade launcher and was again wounded while firing on the enemy positions. Upon exhausting his ammunition he opened fire with a rocket launcher and while using this weapon was wounded a third time. Despite his wounds he continued to fire until support arrived. His action resulted in preventing many casualties and resulted in the capture of fifty enemy infantry. His devotion to duty and personal courage reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.