The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Alfonso J. Perez (ASN: 39557378), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division on Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 25 December 1944. First Sergeant Perez, a member of a forward observer party, repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to lay down a protective cover of fire for the forward observer, making it possible for the observer to maintain his advantageous position from which he directed artillery fire on the enemy. The enemy positions were destroyed by the accurate artillery fire placed on them. The great courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Sergeant Perez reflect great credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.