The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John A. Washburn (ASN: 0-1794888), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Manila, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. At 9:30 a.m. on that date, the company commanded by Captain Washburn launched an attack in the vicinity of the Manila gas works and by late afternoon had reached the Paco road, where it was temporarily stopped by heavy enemy automatic fire. This fire was coming from their several well-fortified gun emplacements in and around the Paco school building. In preparation for an assault on the enemy’s positions, Captain Washburn displayed outstanding skill in emplacing all available organic and supporting weapons, and directed the fire from an observation post well ahead of his front lines while subjected to machine gun and rifle fire. Several times it was necessary for Captain Washburn to change positions when the enemy discovered his presence. While moving to a new observation point, Captain Washburn came under fire from an enemy rifleman half hidden in a pile of rubble not more than 25 yards away. Captain Washburn, firing his carbine from the hip, killed the enemy rifleman with a succession of accurate shots. Reaching his new observation post as the last rounds of friendly artillery and mortar preparatory fire fell, he placed himself in front of his company and shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Withy complete disregard for his own safety and the heavy enemy fire, he led his company across the bullet-swept open grounds. During this action, Captain Washburn was wounded by mortar fragments in the face and body, but refused to withdraw from the fight. Captain Washburn continued to lead his men against the stubborn resistance, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, until darkness made it apparent that the attack could not be continued. He halted the attack, arranged for the defense for the night, and prepared the plan for the successful assault for the following morning. 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.