The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Demas L. Sears (ASN: 0-160472), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 April 1945. During an attack up a steep mountain trail, our forces encountered intense enemy fire, and two men were seriously wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Sears, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, for the Division, was observing the action and immediately called or a litter to aid the casualties. Although the injured men were lying in an exposed position, Lieutenant Colonel Sears crawled forward under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, had the litter passed to him, and assisted in removing the casualties to a position of safety. Lieutenant Colonel Sears’ courageous efforts made possible the evacuation of both wounded men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Sears, 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.