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 Private First Class Luis F. Castro (ASN: 32873352), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 December 1944, in Germany. Private First Class Castro occupied a position alone on the right flank of an intricate enemy trench system captured by his company. As two platoons of Germans advanced along the trench toward him, Private First Class Castro, fully aware of his small supply of ammunition, withheld his fire. When enemy troops jammed the trench a short distance away, he poured point-blank fire upon them until his ammunition was expended. Ignoring intense small arms fire, he repelled a second attack with hand grenades. As the enemy withdrew, 15 dead were found within 20 feet of his position. Private First Class Castro’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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.