The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Marshall Hill Hurt, Jr. (ASN: 0-18186), United States Army, for gallantry in action with the 31st Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands. During the early afternoon of 8 April 1942 Headquarters, Luzon Force was entirely cut off from all communication with front line units. Scheduled messenger service had broken down and units were so disorganized that repairs to existing telephone lines and installation of new lines was not possible. It was of the utmost importance that orders reach certain of the front line units prior to daylight 9 April. At about 0300 hours, 9 April 1942, Major Hurt voluntarily and beyond any call of duty, and at grave risk of personal injury, left Headquarters, Luzon Force, and proceeded on foot about one kilometer through a concentration of bursting artillery projectiles to Headquarters Service Command, Luzon Force, Motor Pool, in order to accompany Colonel Everett C. Williams forward with orders for certain of the front line units. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hurt, 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.