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 Emmett E. Powers (ASN: 34547598), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. When two officers fell wounded during the heavy street fighting in Manila on 9 February 1945, Private Powers went to the rescue of both men under heavy enemy machine gun fire. After carrying one of them to safety, Private Powers returned under fire and assisted the other to a covered position. On two more occasions that day Private Powers aided in the evacuation of wounded personnel under enemy gun fire, and was himself wounded while leading his squad in the attack after his squad leader had been killed. 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.