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 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 Wilson T. Hestand (ASN: 38531893), United States Army, for (ASN: 38531893), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Kapintalan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 21 March 1945. Dug in for the night on top of a ridge, the reinforced infantry company to which Private Hestand, machine gunner, was attached, suddenly was swept by heavy machine gun, rifle, and mortar fire. Learning the entire crew of one of the two machine guns facing the enemy had been wounded by grenades and evacuated, Private Hestand left his own gun on the far side of the perimeter to man the knocked out emplacement. Working his way in the dark through fifty yards of dense growth, with complete disregard for his own safety in the hail of fire and grenades, he reached the gun and began firing at the enemy, now attacking in a “Banzai” charge. The enemy assault surged forward and, as he single-handedly fired twelve boxes of ammunition, the assault was broken. After regrouping, the enemy once more attacked along the crest of the ridge in an attempt to dislodge him from his position. Again Private Hestand, skillfully operating alone, was highly instrumental in turning back the fanatical enemy. Throughout the rest of the night the enemy could be heard dragging away wounded. In the morning, thirty-five enemy dead were found within the area of fire from Private Hestand’s gun, one no further than three feet from his position. His courage in voluntarily replacing the wounded crew and his heroic single-handed operation of the gun inspired his comrades and were largely responsible for repelling two suicidal enemy attacks. Private First Class Hestand’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 and the United States Army.