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 Roland L. Eklund (ASN: 17135471), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 April 1945. After many attempts had been made by an infantry company to occupy an enemy-held hill near Irisan, it was decided that the elimination of one enemy emplacement would give the company an opportunity of gaining a foothold from which to launch the main attack. Private First Class Eklund volunteered to set up his light machine gun and cover the enemy position with continuous fire until a rocket launcher team could destroy it. The enemy directed a great deal of fire at him as he dragged his gun to the summit of a baren and exposed ridge which was the only position from which effective fire could be placed on the hostile pillbox but he courageously accomplished his mission, and as the enemy dugout was blown to bits by several well-directed rockets, Private First Class Eklund, still firing his gun, was fatally wounded by the Japanese fire which he had diverted upon himself. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Eklund, 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.