The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Gerald A. Gump (ASN: 35215505), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 14 February 1945. Sergeant Gump was leading his squad in the envelopment of an enemy strongpoint when a burst of fire from a concealed enemy machine gun wounded one of his men. Exposing himself to intense hostile fire, Sergeant Gump unhesitatingly rushed forward to save his wounded comrade from further injury, and carried him thirty yards to cover. After seeing that the injured man’s wounds were treated by an aid man, he continued the attack against the enemy. Sergeant Gump’s gallantry before his men quickened them with a new spirit and courage that brought the early destruction of the Japanese machine gun. 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.