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 [then Private First Class] Ricardo G. Savala (ASN: 38580189), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 April 1945, in the vicinity of Salzdorf, Germany. When Company B was pinned down by enemy fire from the town of Salzdorf, Sergeant Savala courageously volunteered to enter the town alone. Crawling for a distance of two hundred yards under constant enemy fire, Sergeant Savala succeeded in reaching the first house. He eliminated one sniper and silenced the remaining enemy, enabling his unit to advance and capture the town. The intrepidity with which Sergeant Savala accomplished his mission was an inspiration to all those who witnessed his actions. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Sergeant Savala reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.