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 Armando V. Valencia (ASN: 18017204), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lorengau Village, Manus Island, Admiralty Group, on 19 March 1944 . When his unit, advancing against enemy entrenchments, was stopped by machine gun fire on an advanced slope, Sergeant Valencia moved forward to a machine gun emplacement in the open, in the midst of concentrated enemy fire and began firing. Once he was blown from his weapon by the concussion of an enemy grenade but he returned to continue his mission. When the machine gun he was operating became useless due to enemy fire, he operated a submachine gun until it was rendered useless. By this daring action Sergeant Valencia diverted the enemy and aided his platoon in reaching cover and capturing the enemy pillboxes. Corporal Valencia’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.