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 Juan Jose Vijil (Vigil) (ASN: 39834653), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on Bilbil Mountain, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 April 1945. When an infantry platoon was pinned to the ground by heavy fire during a dawn attack on an enemy-held hill, Private Vijil, the lead scout, moved forward to a narrow, barren ridge which formed the only approach to an enemy machine gun barring the advance. Alone, fired upon by the enemy and without the aid of supporting fire, he advanced along the ridge. Before reaching his objective, however, he was hit in the chest by rifle fire from a member of the machine gun crew. Disregarding his wound, he charged forward, emptied his rifle and threw two grenades into the machine gun emplacement, killing the gunners and silencing the weapon. The gallantry, skill and determined fighting spirit displayed by Private Vijil were a source of great inspiration to the company and highly instrumental in the successful seizure of this key enemy defensive position. His 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.