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 Staff Sergeant Jack Foust, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the Battle on Hill 700 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. Pinned down with his assault company by fierce enemy resistance, Sergeant Foust spotted an abandoned light machine gun and after fully exposing himself to the Japanese, succeeded in working his way to the weapon under heavy fire. He immediately turned the gun on the enemy at close range, momentarily neutralizing the hostile position and enabling his company to charge the pillbox. Lifting the machine gun from its mount, he ran toward the Japanese position with the heavy weapon in his arms, firing a steady stream of bursts into the fortification. An enemy machine gunner hidden in a large tree suddenly opened fire on the company. Still holding the machine gun in his arms, Sergeant Foust raked the tree with fire and killed the Japanese gunner. His heroic and aggressive action contributed greatly to the reduction of enemy resistance and to the overwhelming defeat of the Japanese forces. Staff Sergeant Foust’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, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.