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 Ira Lee T. Wolfe, Jr. (ASN: 33564219), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. While Sergeant Wolfe was leading his rifle squad as the point for an advancing column of infantry troops through the Cagayan Valley on 11 June 1945, it encountered fire from twenty enemy riflemen in concealed positions off the road. Rapidly deploying his men as skirmishers, Sergeant Wolfe led a ferocious assault on the enemy positions. Employing it weapons to the fullest advantage, his squad stormed the foe and killed nineteen of the enemy, six of who were personally accounted for by Sergeant Wolfe. His superior leadership and conspicuous aggressiveness were instrumental in the rout of the enemy and enabled the company to continue its advance. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.