(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Corporal Matthew Gress (ASN: 39601696), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the battle for the Munda Airfield at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, in 1943. Corporal Gress’ group was pinned down by machine gun fire and feeling that only desperate measures were going to save his own life and that of the others, he armed himself with two hand grenades and squirmed his way to within throwing distance of the enemy machine gun nest that was the source of their trouble, destroying the enemy position. Corporal Gress’ 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.