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 Epifanio Guerrero (ASN: 39157662), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the Battle of Leyte, in the Philippine Islands, on 28 October 1944. During the heaviest fighting during the Battle on Leyte, Private Guerrero left his position of comparative safety and voluntarily moved forward to within 20 feet of a strongly entrenched and extremely active enemy post in order to assist in the treatment and evacuation of American wounded. During the action, two Japanese soldiers emerged from a trench with fixed bayonets, after having thrown a grenade at the medical aid man and patient. Private Guerrero picked up his patient’s rifle and fired on the pair as they approached. He killed one and forced the other to withdraw. Then, Private Guerrero evacuated his patient, subjected throughout the entire operation to continual enemy fire. Private Guerrero’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 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.