(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private Edward Porter McConnell (ASN: 39123935), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 152d Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Olongapo, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 10 February 1945. On that date, Japanese positions on the Zig Zag Pass, a narrow, winding section of highly near Olongapo, were well prepared, concealed, and dug in. Intense machine gun fire from a number of pillboxes stopped the attack of Private McConnell’s platoon, which had been ordered to seize a hill positions. Enemy positions were so well covered and concealed that friendly rifle, mortar, and bazooka fire was ineffective. Private McConnell crawled under the intense enemy fire to his platoon sergeant and requested permission to go forward and locate the enemy pillboxes. He then advanced, crawling most of the ay as enemy bullets hit all around him, and advanced into the face of enemy fire to locate three pillboxes with riflemen dug in around them, and returned with that information. He then volunteered to lead the assault on these dug-in positions and, by quick rushes from one bit of cover to another, advanced toward the enemy through hail of enemy bullets. At close range he hurled grenades into the first pillbox, knocking out the machine gunner and another enemy. Yelling back for the flame thrower, he held the remaining enemy in their foxholes with grenades until the position could be burned down. Then, by quick rushes, he headed for the second pillbox with a satchel charge, destroying it and killing six enemy soldiers. Inexorably, he headed for the third strong point but was struck down just before he reached it. Inspired by Private McConnell’s bravery in the face of overwhelming fire, the platoon in a while charge, smothered the remaining Japanese and seized the hill. Private McConnell’s 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.