Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    March 29, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 74 (July 27, 1945)

    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 Manuel Urenda (ASN: 38341537), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action near Malvar, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 March 1945. Due to a shortage of men, Corporal Urenda, a first gunner in a mortar squad, was acting as a light machine gunner in the perimeter of Troop D, 7th Cavalry, when he perceived an enemy attack and shouted a warning to his comrades. Simultaneously he opened fire and inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing Japanese. Knocked to the ground by mortar fire which tore two holes in his helmet, he immediately regained his position and resumed firing. When his assistant was wounded, and he ceased firing long enough to administer first aid, the enemy partially surrounded his position. As he again commenced firing, he was shot in the neck by a sniper. Recovering and resuming fire he was wounded twice more by rifle bullets. He crawled back to his position and, fighting extreme pain, continued to fire with devastating effect on the enemy. Refusing to be evacuated, he stayed at his gun until directly ordered to leave. When the enemy assault was repulsed, a large quantity of munitions, twelve Japanese dead and evidence of numerous other casualties were found in front of his position. Corporal Urenda’s heroic devotion to duty in spite of his painful wounds was an important factor in turning back the enemy attack. His extraordinary heroism and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.