The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Kermit W. Bartley (ASN: 35214805), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. The mission of the platoon of which Staff Sergeant Bartley was a member was to make a frontal assault on the heavily fortified Paco Railroad Station in Manila. Moving over areas covered with debris and across a large open field, Staff Sergeant Bartley led his men in the attack. One hundred yards from its goal, the platoon was delayed by concentrated Japanese fire. Exposing himself to this fire, Staff Sergeant Bartley moved aggressively over the entire fire-swept front encouraging his men and directing their fire until he was mortally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Bartley, 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.