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 Thomas P. Vasta (ASN: 16143298), 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 18 April and 20 April 1945. While accompanying his platoon on a reconnaissance mission, Private Vasta voluntarily went to the aid of two wounded men who lay in the open, completely exposed to intense hostile mortar fire. With four other men he dashed over the open terrain, while mortar shells burst in the vicinity, and assisted in removing the casualties to a position of safety. After administering first aid, he helped carry the injured men 1200 yards to a medical aid station. On a later date Private Vasta again volunteered to help two men who had been wounded by Japanese machine gun fire and were unable to move. Although forced to cover 75 yards of open terrain, he unhesitatingly went to the rescue. As he crouched and ran along the exposed ridge he was fatally wounded by the machine gun fire. Private Vasta gave his life in a gallant and voluntary attempt to save his wounded comrades. 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.