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   MURPHY B. BRIDGES , 33128480, Corporal, 508th Parachute Infantry.  For gallantry in action on 25 December 1944 near ***, BELGIUM.  Corporal BRIDGES, Assistant Squad Leader, established an outpost in front of the company MLR.  He and one other man then began a systematic patrol of the area to locate the enemy MLR.  While on this patrol, an enemy combat patrol overran the outpost and destroyed the communication lines.  Hearing the noise of the action, Corporal BRIDGES and his companion returned to the outpost and engaged the enemy in a fierce fire fight against heavy odds.  Regaining the outpost and reestablishing communications, Corporal BRIDGES was later able to direct mortar and artillery fire on the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties.  Corporal BRIDGES maintained his outpost throughout the night, relaying valuable  information which gave warning of an impending enemy attack and enabled the unit to take necessary defense measures.  His aggressive actions reflect credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the Unite States Army.  Entered military service from DANVILLE, VIRGINIA