The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Louis Franklin Hydron (ASN: 36079425), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 and 11 February 1945. During a rifle company’s advance in the Bilibid Prison area of Manila it encountered heavy enemy machine gun fire from a well-fortified enemy position on the right flank. Sergeant Hydron, a Mortar Squad Leader, quickly and skillfully adjusted fire on the target, demolished the gun emplacement and killed the enemy gun crew allowing the advance to continue. Several days later, in an effort to rescue a wounded comrade, Sergeant Hydron was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. 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.