The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private] Martin S. Padilla (ASN: 38581142), 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 January 1945 in Luxembourg. On that date, Staff Sergeant Padilla, at an outpost near Wilwerwiltz, Luxembourg, courageously surprised and captured an enemy patrol. The following day when the advance of his unit was opposed by strong enemy forces, and the lives of his comrades were endangered by enemy hand grenades, he fearlessly moved to an exposed position and fired at the enemy, thereby reducing a dangerous threat. Later he voluntarily and without regard for his own safety advanced in the face of enemy fire to destroy an enemy machine gun and captured fifteen enemy soldiers. His aggressiveness, bravery, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.