The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Carnie E. McCandless (ASN: 36737615), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When their American-Filipino combat patrol was caught in an ambush near Paitan on 7 June 1945, and three Filipinos were seriously wounded, Privates Carnie McCandless and Charles McKinney risked heavy enemy fire to drag their wounded allies to safety, thereby saving then from death or capture. During the action these men killed six Japanese soldiers, and exhibited outstanding courage and aggressiveness. Their gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.