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 Fred G. Ruddell (ASN: 38333545), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 February 1945 and on 26 February 1945. On 11 February, when an adjacent platoon was being fired upon by an enemy machine gun from a fortified position during the crossing of the Estero de Paco in Manila, Private First Class Ruddell ran forty yards across an open field to destroy the Japanese weapon and its crew. On 26 February, Private First Class Ruddell was mortally wounded rushing through an opening in a wall in an attempt to silence another machine gun which was delaying the advance of our troops. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Ruddell, 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.