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 Private First Class Joe J. Littlefield (ASN: 6385940), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 February 1945. At the peak of an enemy mortar, heavy artillery, and rocket concentration on his position near the Malacanan Palace, Private First Class Littlefield saw a soldier lying out in the open, hit by shell fragments. Private First Class Littlefield left his position of safety, ran seventy-five feet over the levelled area, and was just within reach of the casualty when he himself was mortally wounded by a shell burst. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Littlefield, 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.