The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Juan R. Lopez (ASN: 38143824), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, during the period 9 to 11 February 1945. Near Wallendorf, Germany, Private Lopez courageously directed and assisted in the evacuation of wounded men over a route subjected to constant, intense enemy small arms and artillery fire. When a carrying party was pinned down by withering enemy machine gun fire, he fearlessly crawled behind the enemy position, killed one enemy machine gunner and forced the others to withdraw. Private Lopez’s heroic actions and unflinching devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.