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 Jack C. Henley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Infantry Divison (Americal) at Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 2 April 1945. When his company had suffered numerous casualties, the company commander asked Private Henley, a runner, to attempt to reach a squad of men, pocketed in positions to the left and to tell them to return to fill a gap in the lines. The bands of enemy fire were so intense and close to the ground that the path to the squad was considered practically impassable, yet Private Henley maneuvered through the line of fire and reached the squad and was able to lead them back to the command post without a casualty. Later in the morning, Private Henley twice again exposed himself to 20-mm. gun grazing fire in order that he might bring in two seriously wounded comrades to the aid station. Private Henley’s gallantry in action and devotion to duty contributed greatly to the thwarting of the enemy attack and was a major factor in saving two of his comrades’ lives.