The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Wayne S. Iles (ASN: 35253975), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When intense fire from strong enemy positions halted the advance of his company near Dampalit on 13 February 1945, Sergeant Iles on his own initiative improvised incendiary grenades, using gasoline and mortar casings, and then crawled forward within ten yards of the hostile position under heavy hostile fire to put them in place. He safely withdrew under the continual Japanese fire to a safer position, and then exploded the grenades with tracer ammunition. The explosion greatly disorganized the foe, and in the resultant confusion Sergeant Iles’ squad attacked, capturing the strong point and killing 21 enemy soldiers. Sergeant Iles was fatally wounded a few days later during the battle for Manila. 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.