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 Maximino T. Valdez, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 303d Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in action at Dunwald, Germany, on 13 April 1945. In fighting near the town, Private First Class Valdez’s company was held up by heavy hostile artillery and automatic weapons fire. Private First Class Valdez located an enemy machine gun and with only one hand grenade in his possession, he courageously and at great personal risk, crawled up near the enemy gun and destroyed the crew of three with his grenade. By this heroic action his company was enabled to continue the advance and seize its objective without casualties. Private First Class Valdez’s gallantry on this occasion reflects high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.