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 Lionel A. Brighner (ASN: 33108386), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 4 February 1945. An officer of a company leading a battalion advance into Tinajeros along the Manila Railroad went forward to reconnoiter possible enemy strongpoints and was wounded by machine gun fire emanating from a house. Private Brighner and a fellow soldier volunteered to expose themselves to draw fire and facilitate evacuation. The two men crawled forward, killed six enemy endeavoring to cross the street to another position. They then returned to their platoon, reported the enemy location and participated in a successful attack on the house. 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.