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 Hugh W. Bruce, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in risking his life to rescue a wounded officer from almost certain death at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 17 May 1944. The officer had been hit by two bullets, one passing through his thigh, completely paralyzing one of his legs. The patrol, of which both were members, had been ambushed while crossing swiftly flowing waters of a shallow river. Disregarding the intense hostile fire, Sergeant Bruce courageously went to the stricken man and started dragging him through he rapid current to cover 180 yards away. During this time, Sergeant Bruce was wounded in the face and hand but he continued until two other soldiers, seeing their plight, assisted the pair to cover. Although suffering from loss of blood and exhaustion, Sergeant Bruce assisted in carrying the officer to an aid station more than a mile away over rough terrain. His intrepid action aided materially in saving the officers life and was in the highest tradition of the United States Army.