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 Landford Jewel Gauldin (ASN: 34777813), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 March 1945 on the Villa Verde Trail, Nuevo Viscaya Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Private Gauldin and two other soldiers were defending a position protecting a trail which ran through the perimeter, when two companies of Japanese launched a ferocious attack. Private Gauldin killed two of the enemy as they crept to within five yards of his position, but others of the foe moved as close with a light machine gun and killed one of Private Gauldin’s comrades and seriously wounded the other. Although enemy machine gun fire now menaced even the rear of the perimeter he was charged in part with defending, Private Gauldin remained to engage the foe single-handed. He was soon wounded in the shoulder by grenade fragments, but continued to direct heavy fire against the Japanese. Finally, disregarding his injury, he stood up and, though completely exposed, threw two grenades which knocked out the enemy machine gun position and killed five of the foe. Private First Class Gauldin’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.