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 Salvador Vallez (ASN: 36768278), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 October 1944 in France. On that date, the company of which Private Vallez was a member, had the mission of securing the high ground and while moving forward on this objective, the company received withering fire from an enemy machine gun position. Private Vallez, despite a wound from the fire of this machine gun and without regard for his own safety, crawled to the immediate vicinity of the gun emplacement and effectively destroyed it with a hand grenade, permitting the advance of his company. He then made his way to a wounded comrade and succeeded in carrying him to a place of safety. The outstanding bravery, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Private Vallez, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.