The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Vincent S. Meller (ASN: 33142499), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 10 February 1945. Private Meller, a machine gunner in a heavy weapons company, was supporting an attack on Provisor Island, Manila, when a heavy barrage fell into the area, killing two men and wounding four. Private Meller, along with two of his comrades, immediately left their sheltered positions to drag the wounded men to cover. Then they administered first aid, although it was necessary to work from prone positions next to the holes in which they had placed the casualties. After the barrage lifted, they volunteered to evacuate the wounded, as immediate medical attention was required. They moved the injured to the bank of an estuary, placed them in an assault boat, and rowed the boat three hundred and fifty yards across the estuary while enemy machine gun fire and mortars raked their route. 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.