 On February 7, 1945, he was serving as a master sergeant during the Battle of Luzon.On that day, near Lupao, Luzon, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to aid wounded soldiers, led his platoon after the platoon leader was wounded, and deliberately drew Japanese fire onto himself so that others could escape to safety.For these actions, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor and given a battlefield commission to second lieutenant.