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 Technical Sergeant Joseph John Malikowski (ASN: 20131891), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 169th Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 20 January 1945. Sergeant Malikowski was leading his platoon forward to the base of Mount Alava when the enemy directed intense artillery and machine gun fire on his men, wounding 16, and curbing the advance. As the men began their ordered withdrawal, he observed that many casualties had been left in the shelled area. With utter disregard for his own safety, he returned to the wounded men where deadly close-range artillery fire was now being directed, and, refusing to abandon his fellow soldiers, continued to administer first aid until he was hit by shell fragments and killed. By the gallant sacrifice of his life, Sergeant Malikowski saved several of his comrades from certain death and set an inspiring example of courage which exemplifies the highest traditions of the military service.