The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class David K. Flaherty (ASN: 39462124), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 19 May 1945. A combat patrol, advancing along the Talomo River, was suddenly attacked by an enemy force of 50 riflemen with two machine guns, and several men were wounded. Seeing that his squad leader was among those seriously hurt, Private Flaherty immediately took charge of the squad and deployed it to repel the attackers. When ordered to withdraw across the steep-banked, swift-flowing river, he carried his wounded leader to the shore and swam unaided to the opposite side with the injured man. Reassembling in the new position, the patrol was again exposed to heavy fire which killed or wounded the platoon sergeant, guide, and one other non-commissioned officer. Assuming the duties of second-in-command, he moved from man to man in a hail of enemy fire, directed and encouraged the men across 50 yards of open ground to a new defensive position in an Abaca grove, and made provisions for the rapid evacuation of the wounded. By his indomitable courage, unselfish regard for the welfare of his comrades, and devotion to duty, Private Flaherty set an inspiring example of leadership which is worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.