The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph F. Furtado (ASN: 31038416), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 172d Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 27 July 1943. Private Furtado volunteered to ascertain the position of enemy emplacements whose mortar and artillery fire had checked his battalion’s advance at New Georgia. Courageously passing through enemy lines, he gathered information 150 yards within Japanese-held territory. He was discovered and became the target of enemy snipers. Realizing he was cut off, he threw hand grenades into hidden emplacements, the explosions enabling forward observers to mark the place for attack. His gallant action also accounted for the destruction of at least one enemy machine gun and several Japanese before he was mortally wounded while returning to his own lines. Private First Class Furtado’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 43d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.