The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Earle Charles Hochwald (ASN: 0-495414), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 23 February 1945. During the battle against Intramuros in Manila, Chaplain Hochwald entered the walled city with the leading rifle company, and upon discovering groups of women and children released by the enemy to confuse our attack, personally led them to safety while exposed to small arms and mortar fire. He returned to the scene again and again until through his heroic effort he had saved 250 civilians who were caught in the center of the battle. On 10 June 1945, at Orion Pass, Chaplain Hochwald went alone into an area under intense Japanese mortar fire to search for the bodies of dead and missing men from his battalion. He courageously continued on his mission while hostile shells exploded within a few yards of him. Chaplain HochwaldÕs fearless actions, definitely beyond the call of duty, were an inspiration to his fellow soldiers. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hochwald, 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.