The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Alfred Ornelas (ASN: 39591647), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 20 April 1945. As Private First Class Ornelas and another man were setting up mortar defenses after their infantry company had taken a hill from the Japanese, an enemy hand grenade landed and burst 15 yards from their position. Grabbing their carbines, the two men dashed to the edge of a cliff, where they saw eight Japanese making their way up the hill. A hostile light machine gun covered the advance of the enemy soldiers from a well-hidden position at the bottom of the hill. In the face of intense enemy fire and overwhelming odds, Private First Class Ornelas and his comrade each threw two grenades at the enemy, now only 20 yards away, and then opened fire with their carbines. Five of the enemy were killed and the rest dispersed. However, the enemy machine gun continued firing and Private First Class Ornelas was fatally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Ornelas, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.