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 Lawton Owen Graham (ASN: 34398556), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 25 February 1945. After a five and one-half hour fight, Private Graham’s Company had advanced to within thirty-five yards of the crest of an enemy-held hill. The enemy delivered intense fire against his platoon, but Private Graham deliberately remained exposed, so that his comrades could take cover, and fired at the enemy, killing three. Under cover of his fire, his squad was able to regroup, then followed him in rushing the hostile positions. Engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, he put one enemy soldier out of action. After resistance had ceased on the hill, he turned to the left flank, attacked a pillbox, and enabled his comrades to capture the position. During this action, he was wounded by enemy fire. Private Graham, through his outstanding battlefield leadership and extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger, saved the lives of many of his comrades and enabled them to capture an enemy strongpoint. His 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 Americal Division, and the United States Army.