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 Corporal Howard Luther Spencer (ASN: 35262539), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces wile clearing the way for a successful counter-assault when Japanese infiltration tactics threatened an entire battalion front at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 11 July 1943. Moving forward to close the critical break in the lines, counter-attacking elements suddenly were pinned down by enemy machinegun fire from the military crest of a ridge. Without adequate cover or concealment, Corporal Spencer crawled close to the machine gun position and hurled grenades, thereby putting it out of action and permitting the advance to continue. Wounds he received from the machine gun he destroyed cost him his life. Corporal Spencer’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, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.