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 Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Cledith W. Bourdeau (ASN: 0-1297831), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 382d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 February 1944, in the Philippine Islands. During the bitter fighting for Leyte, Philippine Islands, Company K was halted by intense small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire, and Captain Bourdeau, the Company Commander, was wounded while deploying his assault platoon preparatory to further advance. Disregarding his wounds, he led his support platoon in a flanking movement which was in turn immobilized by enemy fire. He then boldly exposed himself to the enemy fire and, after having located two machine guns firing from a pillbox, crawled to within 15 yards of their emplacement. Springing to his feet and charging the position, he destroyed the machine gun and killed two of the enemy. He then boldly crossed 15 yards of open terrain in full view of the enemy, destroyed a second machine gun, and routed six Japanese whom his men subsequently killed. Realizing he was opposed in overwhelming strength, he ordered a withdrawal, personally acting as rear guard. When a soldier was wounded during the movement, Captain Bourdeau, with no thought of personal danger, advanced 75 yards under machine gun fire, carried the man to safety, and administered first aid, and assisted him back to the company. By his indomitable fighting spirit, personal courage, and aggressive leadership, Captain Bourdeau was instrumental in relieving his company from a critical situation and, by his heroism, set an inspiring example worthy of the highest traditions of the 96th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.