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 Amedeo Mungai (ASN: 36332725), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 24 March 1944. Midway through a counterattack, our forces were temporarily halted by a Japanese pillbox which was offering savage resistance. With all attempts to destroy the enemy strongpoint failing, Private First Class Mungai aggressively leaped to his feet, dashed up to the Japanese emplacement, jumped onto the roof, reached over and tossed two grenades through the firing slots. Then, calling for more grenades, he caught three that were thrown to him and calmly dropped them into the pillbox ending all resistance. As he was doing this, five of the enemy came out in an attempt to dislodge him. They were killed along with seven others found within the pillbox. Subsequently, Private First Class Mungai saved the life of his platoon leader. Alertly observing a Japanese who had pretended to be dead, about to fire at the officer, Private First Class Mungai shot the enemy rifleman. These actions were among the many instances of Private First Class Mungai’s exceptional personal valor and superior qualities as a soldier. Private First Class Mungai’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, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.