The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Haskell M. Garrett (ASN: 16123103), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 33d Infantry Division, in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 April 1945. Sergeant Garrett, assistant squad leader of a rifle platoon, was with his organization which was patrolling the **** when from a point of 200 yards to his direct front an enemy installation consisting of heavy mortars, supported by machine gun and sniper fire, fired upon his patrol. The enemy fire became intense and prevented a successful maneuver of the men under his command from the zone of enemy fire. Sergeant Garrett, disregarding his own personal safety and while under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, crawled to within 50 yards of the entrenched enemy. From this position he directed friendly mortar fire on the enemy installations until they were destroyed. The heroic actions of Sergeant Garrett saved our forces a great amount of time in completing operations in the **** and also saved our attacking forces many casualties. Sergeant Garrett’s bravery, his calmness under enemy fire, and his zealous devotion to duty, were a great source of inspiration to the officers and men of this organization, and reflect the highest credit upon the Army of the United States.