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 [then Private] Felipe P. Gargaritano, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Philippine Islands on 23 December 1941. When the 26th Cavalry, Philippine Scouts, was withdrawing from Damortis, La Union, Luzon, Sergeant Gargaritano and a companion were selected to cover a bridge with machine gun fire over which the regiment had just passed and blown up. When enemy troops appeared on the other side, he opened fire, killing several and forcing others to run for cover. He continued to fire until the barrel became so hot the gun failed to function and his assistant was struck by enemy mortar shell fragments. He attempted to find a better position from which to continue his fire, but was forced to withdraw because of heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire. During the ensuing action, Sergeant Gargaritano was wounded in the left thigh, but managed to rejoin his regiment. Through his gallant actions and devotion to duty in giving the regiment time to withdraw, Sergeant Gargaritano made a noteworthy contribution to the heroic defense of the Philippine Islands.