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 Gilbert W. McDaniel, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 43d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1945. Private First Class McDaniel was acting as armed guard for a litter party returning to the aid station with casualties when Japanese artillery was registered on his position, inflicting several casualties. At this point Private First Class McDaniel withdrew from his designated position to aid a comrade who had sustained a serous shrapnel wound. Disregarding the heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire, Private First Class McDaniel assisted the wounded man and succeeded in bringing him to the aid station. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class McDaniel, 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.