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) Hector John Polla (ASN: 0-24016), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts) in action against the enemy in the defense of the Philippine Islands. On 9 February 1942 during a coordinated attack in which his organization had reached the objective but was forced to partially abandon same due to loss of contact and failure of an adjacent unit to close up. Lieutenant Polla did, on his own initiative, personally move through the gap under heavy fire, contact and bring the adjacent unit up into position. This courageous act, in addition to saving the lives of many men, allowed his battalion to hold a position which could not have been held otherwise. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.