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 Lyle W. Matthews (ASN: 39329761), 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 10 February 1945. When a member of his company was badly wounded by enemy fire, Private Matthews immediately started crawling to his aid. Making the trip under heavy hostile machine gun, mortar and rifle fire, he reached the man only to find the wounds so serious that help was needed to remove him. With the enemy still firing at him, Private Matthews returned to his platoon, enlisted the aid of another man, and voluntarily crawled back into the fire-swept area to evacuate the wounded companion. 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.