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 Isaac J. Goertzen (ASN: 37162950), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 February 1945. When Private Goertzen’s flame thrower was lowered to him from the top of a wall during an attack against Japanese hidden in a tunnel, the weapon fell and was damaged. Private Goertzen realized it was a matter of seconds before pressure in the flame thrower would go down, making it useless. He immediately picked it up and dashed to the entrance of the tunnel. Although occasional rifle shot came from the tunnel and his clothing was splashed with inflammable liquid, he fired a burst from the flame thrower destroying the enemy and setting fire to an ammunition dump. 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.