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 Matthew J. Ott (ASN: 32068976), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Pawing, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 23 October 1944. Sergeant Ott was a member of a company which was ordered to withdraw from a high ridge. Soon after the withdrawal had begun, the enemy counterattacked sharply. Sergeant Ott, with utter disregard for his personal safety, completely exposed himself to the aimed fire of automatic and small arms weapons to pull two of his wounded men to safety. Upon completion of this act he returned to the top of the ridge and covered the withdrawal of his men by throwing hand grenades from a position offering little or no cover until the last of his men had reached safety. His 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, his unit, and the United States Army.