The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Philias J. Verrette, Sr. (ASN: 31188688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 February 1945, in Germany. After driving the enemy from a wooded area, Sergeant Verrette personally manned a machine gun in supporting his comrades from several savage attempts of the enemy to regain it. Refusing to surrender when his men were surrounded, he gallantly continued his firing until a battalion moved up and drove the enemy back. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Verrette, 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.