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 Lieutenant Hector David Henstridge (SN: sx 3800), Australian Imperial Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 25th Liaison Squadron, in action against enemy forces near Dumpu, New Guinea, from 17 February to 12 March 1944. Lieutenant Henstridge voluntarily descended by parachute into a jungle behind enemy lines to rescue an officer and a soldier of the United States Army Air Force. With full knowledge of the dangers of the jungle and of possible enemy patrols, he made his first parachute jump, after which he led his comrades to safety in a hazardous twenty-four day march. By his heroic action, Lieutenant Henstridge not only saved two lives, but in addition he contributed significantly to our knowledge of the territory through which he traveled. The intrepidity and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Henstridge reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.