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 Eldridge Gordon (ASN: 37068562), 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 action near Plaridel on 2 February 1945, Private Gordon, a Browning Automatic Rifleman, demonstrated outstanding courage when he advanced well into enemy territory, knocked out a hostile machine gun which had halted the advance of his platoon, and killed three of the crew. Pushing on, he brought two more heavy machine guns under the accurate fire of his weapon, destroying them both and killing five Japanese. Starting the perilous return to his platoon, he came upon a pillbox loaded with TNT. Making sure that all friendly troops were clear of the danger area, Private Gordon set off the explosives, destroyed the pillbox, and eliminated the possibility of many casualties to our forces. 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.