The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) Ralph L. Phillips (ASN: 0-382171), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When Captain Phillips, Surgeon of an infantry battalion, saw a seriously wounded soldier lying in an exposed position during the attack near Plaridel on 2 February 1945, he immediately crawled forward under intense enemy machine gun fire and began administering blood plasma. After treating the casualty, he dragged him to a tree, shouted for a vehicle and assisted the driver in evacuating the wounded man. Captain Phillips’ willingness to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire was responsible for saving the man’s life. 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.