(The 37th Division had first entered combat in the Russell
Islands Campaign, New Georgia, Rendova and Bouganville Islands.
It landed at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands in January
1945 and was in almost continual combat from then until war's
end. Lutz received his first Silver Star for actions in the
approaches to and fighting in, the Japanese defended city of
Manila. His second Silver Star, awarded posthmously, was for
actions in the crossing operations of the Cagayen River and the
approach to the Japanese positions at Ilagan).

1st Silver Star


"For Gallantry in action at***(Manila) Philippine Islands, on 3
and 18 February 1945. During an assault river crossing a soldier
was painfully wounded by intense hostile fire. Captain Lutz, a
battalion staff officer, immediately went to the man's aid.
Although subjected to heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, he
administered first aid and dragged the man to a sheltered
position. On another occasion during an assault on an
enemy-held building, Captain Lutz led a tank forward and directed
its fire on point targets. Although bullets from enemy machine
guns struck in and around his post, Captain Lutz remained in this
exposed position until the tank reduced the enemy gun
emplacements. His Intrepidity and willingness to expose himself
under fire proved an inspiration to the men around him".


2nd Silver Star (posthumous)


"While moving along a road with a motorized reconnaissance party
near*** (Ilagen, Luzon) on 19 June 1945, Captain (already posted
Major; orders in transit) Lutz detected two well-camouflaged
enemy tanks off to the side of the road. One of the tanks was
severely damaged and appeared harmless. The other showed no
signs of having been fired upon and was parked so that its guns
covered the road. Captain Lutz, suspecting that the tank was
still manned, decided to investigate. He approached the tank
with another officer, mounted it, and thrust open the turret, and
emptied a clip from his pistol into the tank, killing several
enemy soldiers. He then jumped to the ground, telling his
companion that he was going to organize a patrol to investigate
the sector for additional enemy soldiers. Just as he dashed onto
the road, several Japanese light machine guns opened fire, and he
was killed instantly. Captain Lutz's outstanding courage and
alertness in discovering a hostile ambush saved many American
lives".