The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Wilford J. Due (ASN: 37162965), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 February, 1945. During the assault of a rifle company across a river against an enemy-held island, Private Due, a machine gunner with a heavy weapons company, exhibited outstanding courage in covering the attack with effective fire while operating his weapon in an exposed position under constant enemy rifle fire. Later, when his squad moved to the island to support the advance, it received heavy artillery and machine gun fire which seriously wounded two men. Private due immediately crawled forward to their aid, but found that he would need help. He returned to his sheltered position, secured another man, and again crossed the exposed terrain. Private Due was fatally wounded while administering first aid to the casualties. 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.