The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Milton F. Peterson (ASN: 0-1294359), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 9 May 1945. When surprise fire from enemy machine guns made a newly-won objective at Mount Pacawagan untenable, Captain Peterson’s company was forced to withdraw to the reverse slope of a ridge, and the unit’s radio was unavoidably left behind. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Peterson rushed back fifty yards over open terrain under the continual hostile fire and secured the radio which was the only means of communications with other units. When, while in an extremely hazardous position he directed mortar fire which neutralized the Japanese machine gun positions. Captain Peterson’s courageous action enabled his company to successfully occupy the important terrain. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Peterson, 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.