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 Fred Launcelot Junkin (ASN: 36331859), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 14 July 1943. Private Stanley L. Ginish and Private First Class Fred L. Junkin voluntarily went into enemy-occupied territory in order to re-establish telephone communication with an Infantry battalion which was in a critical battle situation and was without artillery support. For almost six hours, they moved through dense jungles repairing and installing wire while under the intermittent fire of snipers and patrols. At one point in the line where the Japanese returned three times and cut the wire as soon as they had repaired it, Private Junkin stood guard under sniper fire and held off the enemy while urgent artillery instructions were being transmitted. His courage and cool perseverance while under the prolonged strain of outwitting the enemy also made possible the transmission of vital infantry tactical messages. Private First Class Junkin’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.