The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Eugene Rife (ASN: 20504460), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 18 February 1945. While advancing through the streets of Manila, Sergeant Rife’s squad was halted by intense fire from two enemy machine guns. After a thorough personal reconnaissance, he called for a rocket launcher and skillfully directed the firing until one pillbox was wiped out. The rocket gunner was unable to sight in upon the second gun, so Sergeant Rife began crawling toward the hostile emplacement. Although fire from the position was intense, he advanced within a few yards of the enemy, and threw three hand grenades into the pillbox, killing four Japanese and allowing the advance of his unit to continue. 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 and the United States Army.