The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David V. Lopez (ASN: 39705904), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 February 1945. During an attack on the Paco District of Manila, Sergeant Lopez’s platoon encountered a reinforced pillbox. When rifle grenades and rockets failed to neutralize this position, Sergeant Lopez picked up a smoke grenade and dashed thirty yards through automatic fire to a spot from which he tossed the grenade through a narrow opening of the emplacement. The smoke forced the Japanese out and so disorganized them that our troops moved in to capture their objective. Sergeant Lopez’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.