Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 24th, 1946

"Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Otis E. Saalman, United States Army. For gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Provost Marshall, Bataan Defense Forces, in action in the town of San Fernando, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on the night of 3 - 4 January 1942. Captain Saalman, with two military policemen, engaged the numerically superior advance elements of an enemy column with automatic rifle fire and hand grenades in a fire fight lasting approximately one hour. This small detachment was finally forced to withdraw, but their stubborn resistance delayed the enemy sufficiently to permit the withdrawal of other troops according to plan. Captain Saalman's gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

War Department, General Orders No. 125

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army