The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Anthony P. Tursi (ASN: 33598974), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. On 23 February 1945, Corporal Anthony Tursi and Private Mathew Manion accompanied a motorized patrol which was sent to investigate a report that the Japanese were terrorizing Filipinos in a barrio in the Polo-Obanio Area. The enemy were occupying two well constructed shelters in a large bamboo thicket. As the patrol approached, the foe opened fire with small arms and threw hand grenades, While advancing through the tall grass. Corporal Tursi killed two concealed enemy. Then, when intense hostile fire halted the advance, Private Manion made his way back to a vehicle, and obtained five gallons of gasoline. Protected by Corporal Tursi’s covering fire, he inched his way to the rear of one pillbox, poured the gasoline into it and applied a match. The resulting fire killed fifteen Japanese. The two men then moved toward the other pillbox, and protecting each other with heavy fire advanced close enough to throw hand grenades into the position. Six enemy soldiers were killed, and the remaining two jumped out of the emplacement and fanatically charged the two men, viciously firing their rifles as they came. However, Corporal Tursi and Private Manion killed the two enemy. Through their courage and combat efficiency these two men virtually alone killed twenty-five Japanese soldiers and liberated the civilians. Their gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for their own lives, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon United States Army.