The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Finis Morgan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Troop, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 12 November 1944. Sergeant Morgan was leading his squad in a well dug-in enemy position on Mount Badlan, when the momentum of the attack was halted by heavy mortar fire. Disregarding his own safety he assaulted the enemy gun position shouting encouragement to his men to follow. His fearless action under enemy fire brought him to within a few yards of the mortar position where he killed the three members of the crew and effectively silenced the gun. Sergeant Morgan’s heroic action in the face of intense enemy fire inspired his squad into a determined assault on the enemy stronghold, completely annihilating its defenders. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Morgan, 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.