The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps) Harley W. Morgan (ASN: 0-1545556), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Battalion Surgeon with the Medical Detachment, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During an attack against an enemy-held hill in the vicinity of Fort Stotsenburg on 31 January 1945, the assaulting rifle company suffered heavy casualties due to fire from Japanese positions on the crest. Lieutenant Morgan, an assistant battalion surgeon, voluntarily took two litter squads forward to evacuate the wounded. The group was forced to travel a distance of 500 yards, most of which was under observation and fire of the foe. Lieutenant Morgan skillfully directed and coordinated the movement of his litter squads. Whenever they were halted by enemy fire, he reconnoitered for a better route of approach, although always exposed to great danger, and advanced his men over the hazardous terrain in much the same manner as a rifle platoon leader. Lieutenant Morgan spent seven hours at the front helping to evacuate casualties, and he directed the operation in such an exemplary manner that no litter bearers were unnecessarily exposed and trips were cut to an absolute minimum. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.