The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Private First Class] Garvin A. Nester (ASN: 33528048), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 31 January 1945. When his platoon was forced to take cover because of surprise, close-range fire, and suffered several casualties, Technical Sergeant Nester crawled to within 30 yards of the camouflaged enemy position, and armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle, single-handedly engaged the enemy. He delivered sustained fire for about 15 minutes, expending over 200 rounds of ammunition. During this time his platoon completed a successful withdrawal, and the wounded were given immediate first aid treatment. When the withdrawal was complete, Technical Sergeant Nester, without covering fire from his unit, left his precarious position and dashed back to the new platoon position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Nester, 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.