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 Celestino E. Lucero (ASN: 38165462), 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 25 December 1944 in Belgium. On that date, Sergeant Lucero led his rifle squad in an assault against well prepared enemy positions which utilized machine gun fire through a draw directly in the route of advance of the squad. Making quick and accurate estimate of the situation, Sergeant Lucero ordered his men to covered positions and with utter disregard for his own safety proceeded to assault the machine gun position by crawling to a distance from which he effectively hurled grenades to destroy the installation and capture the gun crew. The actions enabled the company to advance and seize the assigned objective. The bravery, leadership, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Lucero were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.