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 John H. Traber (ASN: 38074579), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the attack against the City Hall in Manila on 21 February 1945, a member of Private Traber’s company was seriously wounded and lay in a room from which evacuation seemed impossible because of hostile fire covering the corridors. However, Private Traber volunteered to undertake the rescue and dashed into the room. While administering first aid to the casualty he was subjected to Japanese hand grenades dropped through holes in the ceiling from the room above. Although wounded by this fire. Private Traber courageously remained at his work for ten minutes, and then pulled the wounded man from the room to a location where aid men could complete the evacuation. His heroic action was instrumental in saving the life of his comrade. 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.