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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Adlai C. Young (ASN: 0-4966), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 52d Infantry Regiment, 51st Division, Philippine Army, in action against enemy forces on 24 December 1941, at Malicboy, Pagbilao, Tayabas, Philippine Islands. While Lieutenant Colonel Young was in command of the 52d Infantry, his command post about 500 yards from the village of Malicboy was bombed by hostile airplanes and personnel took shelter in trenches. When a messenger reporting Japanese tanks followed by motorized infantry in the village, Lieutenant Colonel Young assembled his command post personnel and personally led them against the enemy in an effort to halt the hostile advance at the Malicboy bridge. In the ensuing engagement, Lieutenant Colonel Young’s position was overrun by three Japanese tanks and a superior force of infantry and his force was cut off from support. He evaded capture, collected additional stragglers from other forces and succeeded in bringing his force through the enemy lines at Pagbilao, Tayabas, and rejoined the 51st Division, Philippine Army, at Sariaya, Tayabas, two days later. His conduct in leading a small group of riflemen against a force superior in numbers and armament was an inspiration to all troops in the area. Lieutenant Colonel Young’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 and the United States Army.