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) Philip Sheridan Irons, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 24th Infantry Division, in action at Pinamopoan Ridge, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 13 November 1944. An infantry company was given the mission of attacking and occupying two hills, two hundred yards to the left of a mountain road. This ground controlled the road for four hundred yards. The company succeeded in occupying the extreme left hill which secured the left flank, but the platoon on the right flank was forced to withdraw. During this operation the company commander was seriously wounded. At approximately 1400, Lieutenant Irons, belonging to another organization, was sent forward to assume command of the company with the mission of seizing the second hill and holding it at all costs. The enemy was well entrenched and was in possession of commanding ground with good observation. Lieutenant Irons reorganized a greatly depleted unit of very tired men and seized the second hill after much hard fighting. Later in the evening, after the second hill was seized, he organized the defense of the hill with hardly sufficient personnel for adequate security. During the night his company was fiercely attacked by the enemy with grenades and bayonets. This enemy attack was repulsed. The number of dead during this operation was two hundred. Lieutenant Irons’ leadership and courage were a source of inspiration to all members of his company, and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.