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 John J. Murtha (ASN: 42003443), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. On 28 January 1945 in the Clark Field – Fort Stotsenburg Area Private Murtha displayed outstanding courage and efficiency in caring for wounded men under intense hostile fire. Although some of the casualties were in an enemy mine field, and all were in a flat area exposed to Japanese fire, Private Murtha unhesitatingly risked his life in order to administer first aid to fifteen injured soldiers. On one occasion, while he was treating a wounded man, a hostile machine gun opened, fire, spraying the dirt about him. Each time Private Murtha sat up to continue his work, the gunner opened fire. Seizing the casualty he courageously dragged him several yards to a shallow depression and completed treatment. Then, with the aid of another man, he carried the man under the continual Japanese fire to safety. A few days later Private Murtha was fatally wounded by enemy mortar fragments. 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.