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 Lieutenant (Infantry) Shelby D. Minton (ASN: 0-1324482), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 30 January 1945, Lieutenant Minton, leader of a heavy machine gun section, had skillfully directed his section in support of a rifle company’s capture of a hill, when suddenly six enemy tanks attacked and swept the newly captured position with intense fire, inflicting heavy casualties on his men. He quickly reorganized his section to repel a possible hostile infantry attack, and then, under the intense Japanese fire, crawled from casualty to casualty, administering first aid and moving them to positions of partial cover. Lieutenant Minton’s courageous actions were instrumental in saving the lives of three seriously wounded soldiers. 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.