The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Stephen L. Garay (ASN: 0-460470), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division. When a Company Commander was seriously wounded in the neck near Orloung Pass on 10 June 1945, Major Garay, a Regimental Operations Officer, immediately went to the rescue. The entire area was being raked by enemy fire, but Major Garay courageously knelt by the casualty’s side. Realizing t hat the bleeding had to be stopped, he applied a Carlisle Bandage which halted the hemorrhage. Then, when aid men arrived, he personally helped carry the wounded officer to the rear over a road which for 125 yards was under direct observation and constant fire of the Japanese. Major Garay’s prompt and courageous action saved the life of his fellow officer. Later on the same day Major Garay assisted in making a reconnaissance of a bridge site which was being subjected to intense enemy mortar fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Garay, 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.