The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Fred M. Ghents (ASN: 32231416), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 8 December 1944. On that date, Private Ghents’ company attacked a high enemy-held ridge near Ipril. An automatic rifleman, Private Ghents moved forward alone, despite heavy enemy fire directed at him, to reach a point near one of the enemy positions. He suddenly jumped up and began firing in short bursts and charged that position, killing eleven Japanese occupants. His squad attempted to follow, but were pinned down by two enemy machine guns. Without hesitation, Private Ghents ordered two men to accompany him and, under the cover of their fire, he advanced alone against the enemy machine guns, killing the crews. His courageous one-man assault so dispirited the defenders that they abandoned their remaining defenses and, leaving behind twenty-five dead, withdrew. Private First Class Ghents’ 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 77th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.