The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Dale E. Knox, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 614th Port Company, 489th Port Battalion, U.S. Army Transport Corps, in action against the enemy in the Lingayen Gulf near Damortis, Philippine Islands, on 11 January 1945. First Lieutenant Knox was assigned to go ashore with the beach party to reconnoiter and prepare the beach for incoming troops and equipment. Because of a miscalculation the landing craft in which they were riding beached behind enemy lines and as the ramp was lowered, point-blank fire from enemy riflemen, machine guns, mortars, and three inch artillery was placed on them and the landing craft was immobilized, approximately one-third of the personnel killed, and the landing craft’s machine guns destroyed. It being impossible to take the beach, the beach party commander ordered the remaining men to withdraw seaward and First Lieutenant Knox, bruised and wounded by rifle fire and in spite of continued enemy fire, and with complete disregard for his own safety, reached a seriously wounded sailor and swam seaward with him for approximately six hours until they were rescued. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Knox, 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.