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 Technician Fifth Grade Albert Paul Hays (ASN: 36428807), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Mount Magabang, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 March 1945. While moving up a hill to establish an observation post, a platoon of which Technician Fifth Grade Hays was a member was ambushed by a superior enemy force firing machine guns, rifles, and grenades. After engaging in a fire fight in which several men were wounded, the Platoon, with the wounded, began a withdrawal to a ravine. Technician Fifth Grade Hayes remained on the hill with several others to cover the withdrawal. Unable to see the enemy, he deliberately exposed himself to draw their fire and was wounded, Having discovered an enemy machine gun being moved to fire down the ravine on the withdrawing platoon, in spite of his wound, he attacked the gun and its crew. As he moved toward the gun he was hit and killed by its fire. Technician Fifth Grade Hay’s courage and heroic disregard for his own safety were an inspiration to the members of his platoon and contributed materially to their safe withdrawal from enemy ambush. Technician Fifth Grade Hays’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.