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] Pete Villareal, Jr. (ASN: 38417339), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 4 February 1945. When the advance of his company was temporarily halted by intense enemy fire coming from a heavily fortified house, Private Villareal, a rocket launcher operator, volunteered to knock out the enemy emplacement. Entirely exposed to enemy machine gun and rifle fire, he knelt in the open street to fire five rounds into the enemy strongpoint. Eight Japanese were killed and eleven of the enemy were driven into the open where they were killed by other members of the company. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.