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 Martin T. Foster (ASN: 20506047), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the fighting in Manila on 8 February 1945, an enemy machine gun unexpectedly opened fire on a rifle squad. The squad leader was engaged in a fire fight in advance of his men, and was unable to see the well concealed weapon. Private Foster, the assistant squad leader, took charge of the squad, and on his own initiative skillfully maneuvered them to the flank and directed their fire at the pillbox housing the machine gun. He then courageously advanced toward the hostile emplacement, and exposing himself to the Japanese fire, tossed a hand grenade into the emplacement which silenced the machine gun and killed three Japanese. Private Foster was wounded during this action, but remained with the squad until it had organized their new position. 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.