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 Edmund J. A. Desecki (ASN: 36760948), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, okay 16 February 1945. Private First Class James R. Dean and Private First Class Edmund J. A. Desecki dashed into an open street in the face of intense enemy machine gun fire to remove a wounded comrade to a position of cover. After administering first aid, they realized that they could not be of further help to the wounded man at the moment, so they pushed forward and joined their comrades in the attack against the Police Station. When it was necessary to withdraw from a superior enemy force within the building to avoid further casualties, Privates First Class Dean and Desecki remained within the building as a covering force until the last man had reached safety. They then dashed back to the place where they had left their wounded comrade, and carried him 150 yards to safety despite the fact that the enemy had again re-manned their positions and were bringing devastating fire on the two men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Desecki, 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.