The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Bryant (ASN: 20603538), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 28 January 1945. Staff Sergeant Bryant’s anti-tank gun squad was moving up to the front lines in a combat-loaded vehicle at Clark Field when it was ambushed by a superior enemy force armed with machine guns and rifles. The other passengers on the vehicle immediately took cover, but Staff Sergeant Bryant courageously rose in full view of the enemy and exposed himself to their fire in order to operate a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the vehicle. Under cover of his effective fire, the driver boarded the jeep and turned it around on the narrow road while Staff Sergeant Bryant continued to fire. The remainder of the squad then broke contact with the Japanese and leaped on the moving car. As the vehicle sped down the road to our lines, Staff Sergeant Bryant jumped on the hood and continued to fire at the enemy. His courage and aggressiveness and devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of military service and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.