The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jesse Otis Bauer (ASN: 36710034), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When his machine gun section supported the attack of a rifle platoon against an enemy-held hill near Fort Stotsenburg on 30 January 1945, Sergeant Bauer exhibited outstanding courage and leadership. He led his guns into positions completely exposed to hostile fire, and his skillful direction was instrumental in neutralizing at least three Japanese machine guns. On one occasion, when an assistant gunner was seriously wounded, he crawled forward under intense enemy fire to rescue the casualty. Throughout the fight Sergeant Bauer fearlessly exposed himself by crawling from position to position to encourage his men and direct their fire. The devotion to duty and skill of Sergeant Bauer resulted in the successful completion of a hazardous fire mission. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.