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 First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps) Lester Dannenberg (ASN: 0-2047966), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 103d Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 January 1945. Lieutenant Dannenberg was in charge of the first echelon of an aid station group attempting to reach an infantry outpost where heavy casualties had been sustained. No information about enemy strength was available and the advance of the rescue party had to be made through open fields and across two rivers exposed to hostile fire. When the Commander of the Infantry battalion was wounded crossing the first river, Lieutenant Dannenberg followed close behind and directed his prompt removal to cover. Later when rifle and machine gun fire stopped the rescue party and split the company holding a road block, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to administer first aid to the men in foxholes and to withdraw the wounded to safety. Though all personnel were warned not to cross a road covered by enemy machine guns, he crossed it repeatedly to reach the other half of the company, where he also rendered medical assistance. On his last trip a litter bearer accompanying him was wounded and Lieutenant Dannenberg, at the risk of his life, remained in his exposed position and assisted the disabled man to cover. His complete disregard for his own safety, his courageous actions and outstanding gallantry above and beyond the call of duty are worthy of the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Medical Admin Corps, and the United States Army.