(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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Michael J. O’Dea (ASN: 0-1312439), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while commanding a rifle platoon of Company G, 2d Battalion, 182d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 28 March 1945. First Lieutenant O’Dea put his men in position on a bank about 80 yards across a stream from the Japanese positions. Another platoon then moved to his left along a small hill with automatic weapons. Although the Americans could observer several enemy soldiers, they held their fire so as not to warn the enemy of the impending attack. When the attack began, the machine guns opened fire and First Lieutenant O’Dea’s platoon moved forward. They were able to move only about 50 yards before the fire of both sides pinned them down, with the Japanese positions to their left. First Lieutenant O’Dea’s platoon continued its fire, although their observation was poor. Friendly Machine gunners on the hill behind them moved forward, directing their fire and grenades on Japanese positions while Lieutenant O’Dea directed their fire by phone. Finally, his platoon was able to advance against only light rifle fire. First Lieutenant O’Dea led his men 150 yards, killing a large number of the enemy and capturing a Japanese knee mortar and a large number of shells. First Lieutenant O’Dea’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, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.