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 Edward Elmer Keyes, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 February 1945. During the heavy street fighting, the squad in which Private Keyes was serving was ordered to effect a break-through while the rest of the company was to follow. While subjected to intense machine gun fire from a well-fortified enemy concrete pillbox, Private Keyes led the way through the street with burning buildings on both sides. He drawled to within 20 yards of the enemy emplacement and threw all his grenades at it. Calling for more, he received a dozen grenades from the rear and expertly tossed them all into the pillbox, killing an undetermined number of the enemy. When a bazooka was brought into the operation, an enemy grenade landed close by, injuring the bazooka operator, Private Keyes and five others. Disregarding his own wounds, he rushed to the operator and carried him on his shoulder 150 yards to safety, heroically exposing himself during the rescue, not only to enemy fire but to the flames, falling debris, and burning lumber. His own wounds were so serious that he was hospitalized for three weeks. Private Keyes’ 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.