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 (Dental Corps) Jose L. Bautista (ASN: 0-34247), Philippine Army, for gallantry in action in Bataan, Philippine Islands, from January to March 1942. While serving as Regimental Dental Surgeon, 42d Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Bautista displayed outstanding gallantry during the bitter fighting on Bataan. On one occasion when no one was available to evacuate a seriously wounded officer, Lieutenant Bautista volunteered to take the wounded man to a hospital despite the fact that an intense enemy artillery barrage was then in progress. Disregarding his own safety, he delivered the patient who was eventually saved. Later, at the risk of his own life, he rescued a bayonetted soldier found to be in immediate need of evacuation. By his outstanding gallantry, high spirit of self-sacrifice, and courageous service beyond his official duties, Lieutenant Bautista was instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow officers.