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 Private First Class Donald E. Bean (ASN: 36361019), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 February 1945. As a first scout during an advance along a street in Manila, Private Bean encountered intense machine gun fire from three enemy emplacements. Calling for a rocket launcher team and a Browning Automatic Rifle, he fired the latter weapon himself and silenced one enemy pillbox. Then, advancing into the exposed street with the rocket launcher team, in the face of the enemy fire, he accurately and consistently fired his automatic rifle at the two remaining emplacement, allowing the rocket launcher team to operate under his covering fire. The three enemy emplacements and weapons were destroyed, while Private Bean personally accounted for 10 enemy killed and six wounded. He died from wounds received in action a few days later. 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 and the United States Army.