The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Eugene L. Bindas (ASN: 33290921), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. When the advance of his company was halted by intense enemy machine gun fire in Manila on 12 February 1945, Private Bindas volunteered to lead a patrol in an attempt to neutralize the hostile position. However, the heavy hostile fire wounded both lead scouts, and Private Bindas was forced to call back for a smoke screen. Under cover of smoke, he crawled forward, administered effective first aid, and removed the men to a position from which they could be evacuated. The next day Private Bindas volunteered to lead another patrol forward. Although continual hostile fire made the mission extremely hazardous, Private Bindas worked his way forward to an advantageous position, and then courageously exposed himself in order to fire a rocket launcher at the Japanese strongpoint, killing eight enemy soldiers and demolishing two machine guns. 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Eugene L. Bindas (ASN: 33290921), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. During the attack against “Top of the World” Hill on 31 January 1945, a special assault squad employing a flame thrower team advanced upon an enemy strongpoint. As they moved toward the hostile emplacement, Japanese fire wounded two men, including the flame thrower operator. Private Bindas immediately crawled over to the wounded men, voluntarily transferred the flame thrower to his back and went forward alone. Reaching an advantageous position, he exposed himself to the enemy and silenced the hostile fire with a burst from his flame thrower. Then he returned to the wounded men, administered first aid, and effected their evacuation. Investigation revealed that six enemy soldiers were killed by Private Bindas” courageous action. 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.