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 (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Shirley Davidson (ASN: 0-1312632), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Malabon, Navotas, and Manila, Philippine Islands, from 12 to 24 February 1945. On 12 February, Lieutenant Davidson’s platoon was attacking a group of strongly fortified enemy pillboxes on the edge of the town of Malabon which with unobstructed vision were pouring forth the most intense fire upon those in the assault. Ordering his platoon to seek cover, Lieutenant Davidson moved alone through about two hundred yards of machine gun and mortar fire and obtained counter artillery fire from the forward elements of an adjacent unit which neutralized the enemy positions. Thereupon Lieutenant Davidson moved his platoon against fierce enemy resistance so skillfully that several enemy strongpoints were demolished without casualty to his men. Three days later he led his platoon through three thousand yards of fish ponds and open terrain between Malabon and Little Tokyo. Upon approaching a group of four buildings, in the nearest of which the enemy was located, he deployed his squad and moved forward alone, throwing grenades. Followed by two riflemen, he secured the house, killing the four enemy inside. Twenty more were wiped out before the patrol mission was completed, though none of Lieutenant Davidson’s men were wounded. The following week, during the assault on Intramurous, his platoon was temporarily halted by fierce enemy machine gun fire after capturing two city blocks. Lieutenant Davidson obtained a tank and, although exposed to continuous Japanese rifle and mortar fire for five hours, so maneuvered the tank that a road barricade and two well-fortified machine gun positions were knocked out. Thereafter, Lieutenant Davidson led his platoon through continual sniper fire to completion of their mission. The next morning his platoon with one other secured the remaining city blocks and west wall, the battalion objective. Lieutenant Davidson immediately volunteered to establish contact with elements of the 1st Cavalry Division situated some five hundred yards to the west of the Walled City and advise them of the capture of the west wall. To do this, it was necessary to cross an open park exposed to enemy fire and the possibility of fire from friendly troops while approaching their forward elements. He made the contact successfully and killed a sniper during his return trip. By his heroic actions Lieutenant Davidson proved an inspiration to his men upon every occasion and his outstanding bravery greatly contributed to the successful operations of his platoon and battalion. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by First Lieutenant Davidson on these occasions reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.