The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gerald E. Shaner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. On that date, Private Shaner volunteered to destroy two Japanese pillboxes, fire from which was causing casualties among our troops. Although realizing the extreme danger involved he placed demolition charged atop the strongpoints, blowing them up and killing their occupants. His heroic act permitted our troops the freedom of unhampered movement in the sector. Private First Class Shaner’s 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 and the United States Army.