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 Private First Class Gerald J. Mooney (ASN: 33142288), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. Private Mooney, a radio operator, accompanied the assault wave during the attack against Promisor Island in the Pasig River of Manila on 10 February 1945. Almost immediately after landing he was seriously wounded by a bullet which penetrated the packboard carrier to which his radio was attached. His platoon sergeant was also seriously wounded and bled profusely. Although caught in an exposed position and suffering Intense pain, Private Mooney learned of the seriousness of the sergeant’s wounds, and voluntarily refused to be moved in order that the other casualty could be placed on the first available evacuation boat. For a half hour Private Mooney doggedly remained at his partially closed place, transmitting vital messages from his platoon leader to the company command post. When the boat returned, Private Mooney, with great effort walked across the fire swept terrain alone, again refusing assistance which would have caused other men to expose themselves. He was evacuated to a hospital where he died a “few hours later, Private Mooney’s self-sacrifice and devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.