(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Ervin Milton Hinds, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on Negros Island, Philippine Islands, on 23 May 1945. On one occasion during the Negros campaign, Private First Class Hinds’ company had been pinned down by enemy fire for several days. The entire battalion was being held up and a reconnaissance patrol was needed to location enemy positions. Private First Class Hinds was selected as lead scout. It was still dark the following morning when the patrol left the perimeter. Moving out front, Private First Class Hinds suddenly found himself close upon a Japanese position. The enemy, seeing the figure in the dim morning light, called out, mistaking him for one of their own soldiers. Private First Class Hinds replied with several bursts from his Tommy Gun and slipped away in the dawn. Six dead enemy were left scattered over what remained of their forward observation post. Later in the campaign, Private First Class Hinds company was assigned to take a Japanese-held ridge. For several days the Americans attempted to blast the enemy from the ridge with no success. Finally the company commander asked for volunteers to pinpoint he enemy emplacements. The three volunteers, including Private First Class Hinds, worked their way to within a few feet of the enemy, where they waited carefully noting enemy gun positions and observing troops activities. Then they returned to their posts with information which made it possible to direct artillery and mortar fire so effectively that the Japanese were forced to abandon the ridge. Private First Class Hinds’ 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.