(GO 13, Hq XI Corps, 12 Mar 45)

Staff Sergeant Nelson H. Howard, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on xx February 1945� (text illegible)�(second platoon) succeeded in driving them into a shallow cave. The Japs could not be driven out without undue loss to our troops. One enlisted man was killed and one officer and another enlisted man were wounded in an attempt to rush the Jap positions. A flanking movement was executed which surrounded the enemy location. Sergeant Howard coolly estimated the situation and completely disregarding his own safety, raced across a shallow stretch of sea and took cover behind a rock from which he killed the remaining enemy. Sergeant Howard's heroic actions at great risk to his life was an inspiration to his comrades and in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Home address: Mrs. Lidie D. Howard (mother), Route No. 1, Auburn, Alabama.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN J. TOLSON III, 020826, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Log Crossing, north-west of Lae, New Guinea, from 14 to 19 September 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Tolson moved his battalion by forced march across a range of the Finisterre Mountains to make a reconnaissance in force to determine the escape route used by Japanese Garrison at Lae. The march was completed in record time over rugged terrain and through dense untracked jungle. At about 1530 hours, 14 September 1943, his leading elements met the enemy in force. Lieutenant Colonel Tolson's speedy and brilliant maneuvering of his troops successfully repulsed many attacks by a numerically superior enemy. The engagement lasted four days and nights, causing severe casualties to the enemy while those to our forces were relatively few. The nearest main body of allied troops was approximately 18 miles distant and Lieutenant Colonel Tolson's force was without communication, and were subsisting on short rations. Supply and evacuation, which was handled by native carriers was not possible until the fifth day. Despite the innumerable obstacles encountered, Lieutenant Colonel Tolson, by his utter disregard for personal safety, courageous and aggressive leadership successfully closed the Japanese escape route and accomplished his mission in a superior manner. Home address: Mrs. Wanda C. Tolson (wife), 28 East New York Avenue, Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Private First Class James P. Wilson, 39565583, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 22 February 1945. As Private First Class Wilson's platoon was moving down a draw on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, they were pinned down by heavy light machine gun and rifle fire from a strongly entrenched enemy. Private First Class Wilson without orders, with disregard for his own safety and in the face of this fire, moved forward and began to throw grenades into the bunker. This action killed eight of the enemy, put their weapons out of action and undoubtedly prevented more casualties in the platoon. Private First Class Wilson's daring action, outstanding performance of duty and cool aggressiveness under fire exemplifies the high traditions of the military service. Home address: Mrs. James Wilson (wife), 717 S. Carondeleh Street, Los Angeles, California.

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(GO 13, Hq XI Corps, 12 Mar 45)

SECTION III  BRONZE STAR MEDAL - Awards

By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec III, Bull 3, WD, 1944) a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, XI Corps, to the following named officers and enlisted men:

          FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM J. BENARDO, 01633662, Signal Corps, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, from 16 February 1945 to 2 March 1945. Home address: Mrs. Olga E. Benardo (wife), 442d Street, Waterford, New York.

Technician Fourth Grade John Bowers, 11016378, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands on 21 February 1945. Technician Bowers was an aid man with a patrol which was proceeding through an enemy infested ravine. When some of the men were wounded, Technician Bowers disregarding the enemy fire, went to the wounded men and rendered first aid. During this time Technician Bowers was wounded by grenade fragments which also struck his Company Commander. In spite of his wounds, he remained with the fallen officer rendering first aid until help arrived. This action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Home address: Mrs. Annie Bowers (mother), 40 Marchand Street, Fall River, Massachusetts.

FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM T. CALHOUN, 01298821, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 22 February 1945. On the morning of 22 February 1945, Lieutenant Calhoun was leading his platoon in a line of skirmishers down a wide ravine combing out snipers, when his unit suddenly came under intense rifle and machine gun fire from three mutually supporting caves. He called for the mortars to come forward. Lieutenant Calhoun saw that the mortar squad was approaching down the steep ravine to get to him, and that the ravine was a fire lane for an enemy light machine gun. Although the man on his right only a few feet away had been killed, and the man on his left had been seriously wounded by shot gun fire from one of the caves, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he sprang up, and with the enemy fire spraying dirt all about him, succeeded in running up the exposed fire lane and prevented the mortarmen from walking into a death trap. Lt Calhoun is demonstration of superb leadership and his heroic and courageous action were an inspiration to his comrades. Home address: Mrs. Sarah J. Calhoun, (wife), Box 397, Goreman, Texas.

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(GO 13, Hq XI Corps, 12 Mar 45)

CAPTAIN GEORGE D. McAFEE, 026417, Medical Corps, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, from 16 February 1945 to 5 March 1945. Home address: Brigadier General L. B. McAfee, MC (father), Bruns General Hospital, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES M. PRESTON, 01289135, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 24 February 1945. As Lieutenant Preston's platoon was proceeding along the beach at Cape Corregidor, Philippine Islands, the enemy launched a grenade attack on the column's flank, seriously wounding one of his men. This grenade explosion dislodged Lieutenant Preston from his position next to the man and though stunned by the explosion, he rushed to the side of the injured man and engaged the enemy with his pistol. By thus drawing the attention of the enemy, his platoon organized a successful attack on the enemy. Lieutenant Preston's courage; quick thinking and coolness under fire aided the reorganization of his platoon which resulted in destruction of the enemy and undoubtedly prevented further casualties. His action speaks for the high ideals of soldierly performance of duty. Home address: Mrs. Betty Ann Preston (wife), 3927 So. Benton Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

Private First Class Arthur R. Sanchez, 39260422, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 19 February 1945. While holding a defensive perimeter around an observation post, elements of Private First Class Sanchez's company were attacked by a numerically superior force of Japanese. Private First Class Sanchez was wounded on the initial attack but with utter disregard for his own wounds, continued to man his Browning Automatic Rifle and cover his squads reorganization. Due to weapon stoppages and shortage of ammunition, it became necessary to withdraw, but Private First Class Sanchez refused assistance and crawled to the aid station alone. Displaying great courage, he stopped enroute to aid in a fire fight. Private First Class Sanchez's gallantry, aggressiveness and coolness under fire was exceptionally outstanding and a source of inspiration to his fellow soldiers. Home address: Mrs. Emma Sanchez (mother), 309 S. Pecan, Los Angeles, California.

Private Benedict J. Schilli, 37187958, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 18-19 February 1945. His platoon came under a heavy enemy attack about 2200 the night of 18 February 1945. Private Schilli, who was armed with a Browning automatic rifle, was in the sector where the heaviest attack took place. After opening up with his Browning automatic rifle, he became one of the enemies main objectives. The enemy turned two light machine guns on him and Private Schilli succeeded in knocking both of them out with his Browning automatic rifle. At 2330 he was wounded by hand grenades thrown by the enemy, but he stayed on his gun until dawn. Private Schilli's weapon jammed time and time again but he held his

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