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 Jasper Thomas Hornsby (ASN: 38570669), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 June 1945, at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When a platoon of Company F was pinned down by a heavily defended Japanese strong point covering a rough stretch of ground near Barat, Luzon, Private Hornsby volunteered to act as lead scout of a unit ordered to flank the enemy position. He crawled forward to the crest of a knoll from which he located an enemy machine-gun placement flanked by supporting riflemen. He signaled the rest of the squad to take cover, and then continued forward until his movement attracted the attention of the Japanese and he became the object of heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. Ignoring the shelter of a small draw a few yards away, and although seriously wounded in the side and arm, he continued his painful, grueling advance in the face of concentrated fire until he was within grenade-throwing distance. Weakening rapidly and partially dazed by his wounds, he now summoned all his remaining strength and hurled two grenades into the midst of the enemy placement and completely silenced the position. By his dauntless courage and selfless devotion to duty in most hazardous action, Private Hornsby prevented many casualties and enabled his platoon to drive on to its objective. His 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, the 6th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.