The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Arthur Darwin Duchow (ASN: 0-1293930), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 27 November 1944, at Leyte, Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Duchow’s platoon, with a section of light machine guns, were in an outpost position in defense of a ridge which had been secured at dusk. During the night the enemy who were entrenched in a dense bamboo thicket a few yards to the front of the position, launched a strong attack, preceded by a mortar barrage. When the platoon on his right received successive rushes by a superior force and were withdrawing in disorder, Lieutenant Duchow, on his own initiative left a place of comparative safety, rallied the men of the withdrawing platoon in spite of darkness and enemy fire, and superbly led and directed them in orderly withdrawal and establishment of a line approximately fifty yards to the rear. He then directed the movement of a light machine gun to a position to protect the ensuing gap and covered the shift by fire from his own rifle. Realizing that the present line could not be safely held, Lieutenant Duchow ordered a withdrawal of his platoon and with reckless disregard for his personal safety, remained in an exposed position and effectively covered the withdrawal to the new line. While performing this self-sacrificing mission, to ensure the safe movement of his men, he killed fifteen of the enemy before they overran his position and he received a mortal wound. His courageous and intrepid actions, which cost him his life, resulted in the saving of many lives and was an inspiration to all. Lieutenant Duchow’s unimpeachable valor and extraordinary heroism in close combat against hostile forces were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.