The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Milner D. Melody (ASN: 0-281555), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 3 May 1945. On 3 May 1945, First Lieutenant Melody, a Field Artillery Liaison Pilot, made an air drop of batteries to an artillery liaison party near Mintal. Piloting a slow, unarmed, and extremely vulnerable L-4 Artillery Liaison plane, he circled over the dropping area, came under enemy anti-aircraft gun fire and received one hit on the tail assembly of his plane. Despite the enemy fire and with utter disregard for his personal safety, he flew at an altitude of 100 feet in order to insure that the batteries would land within our lines. At the completion of the successful drop, First Lieutenant Melody, aided by the excellent visibility and weather conditions, located the enemy anti-aircraft gun and directed effective artillery fire upon it until it was destroyed. First Lieutenant Melody’s gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.