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 J. Tellekson (ASN: 37566711), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 and 11 February 1945. When Private Tellekson, a company aid man, saw a wounded man lying helpless in the middle of a road, he immediately rushed to the rescue. Enemy machine gun fire forced Private Tellekson to crawl to the casualty. However, he reached the man, single-handedly dragged him to safety, administered first aid, and removed him to the rear. On a later date the platoon to which Private Tellekson was attached was subjected to an intense enemy mortar barrage, wounding three men. He at once set out to rescue them from their exposed position in an open field. Advancing by short rushes from one covered position to another, he traversed the 100 yards separating him from the three stricken men, rendered treatment and then, once more braving the steady stream of enemy bullets, assisted them back over the hazardous route to safety. 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.