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] Phillip L. Hayes (ASN: 36837839), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 October 1944 in France. As the 3d Platoon spearheaded Company F’s advance toward a wooded hill the men were halted by heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire. After five hours of bitter fighting in which no progress was made, Private Hayes, an automatic rifleman, volunteered to destroy the machine gun that was holding up the advance. Although he became the target for enemy fire and bullets struck within inches of him, he worked his way around to the flank and alternately crawled and ran 150 yards until he reached a position from which he could observe the enemy machine gun. He then exposed himself to open fire with his automatic rifle and killed the two members of the gun crew, silencing their weapon. As other Germans attempted to reach the machine gun, he courageously continued to fire, wounding at least two of them and preventing the enemy from reaching the weapon. By his gallant and aggressive actions, Private Hayes enabled his company to renew the advance and seize the hill. 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.