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 Jessie Croft (ASN: 34155466), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 21 April 1945. While leading his squad in an attack upon a strongly defended ridge, Sergeant Croft saw his two Browning Automatic Riflemen wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Despite the fact that the enemy had excellent observation of the entire area and were combing the ground with machine gun bullets, Sergeant Croft fearlessly left his own cover and rushed over to his wounded squad members. By dragging each of the two men 30 yards back down the ridge, he was able to place them in a position of safety where vitally necessary first aid could be administered. 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 and the United States Army.