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 [then Private First Class] Oscar H. Dees (ASN: 34810405), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 February 1945. When his squad leader and assistant squad leader were wounded during an attack against enemy positions in the Malinta Area, Staff Sergeant Dees took command of the squad and exhibited outstanding initiative and leadership ability. Although the hostile fire was intense, he kept his squad under control and led them forward until they were halted by a Japanese machine gun approximately 100 yards away. Staff Sergeant Dees squirmed his way forward under the continual enemy fire, finding what cover he could in small holes, until he reached a position twenty yards from the hostile weapon. Then then threw a hand grenade into the Japanese position, killing two enemy soldiers and destroying the machine gun. Staff Sergeant Dees’ courageous action enabled his squad to successfully accomplish its mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Dees, 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.