The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Bernard Big, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Pemienta Province, Philippine Islands, on 29 and 30 January 1945. In command of a mortar section, he dug in his unit as part of a road block protecting the battalion zone. A heavy enemy attack penetrated the forward elements of a position and pinned down the defenders. Captain Big, with two soldiers, dashed from their shelters and put an 81-mm mortar into action. Assembling the mortar, they fired it by estimation, inflicting many casualties. When the position became untenable, he withdrew his section to another location, set up the mortars, and supported a violent action that annihilated the hostile force. Captain Big’s initiative, example and heroic combat leadership during this battle are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.