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 Robert I. Hendershott, III (ASN: 32941886), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Anti-Tank Company, 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 4 April 1945. Private Hendershott, a flamer thrower operator, was attached to a guerrilla battalion attacking an enemy-held hill strongly fortified with pillboxes and connecting trenches. Under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, Private Hendershott, with another flamer thrower operator, moved forward to locate an enemy pillbox; and exposing himself to enemy fire, directed his comrades in destroying the position. The two men then advanced again under rifle fire and sprayed enemy trenches, driving the Japanese from their positions. As the guerrillas followed their advance, they were met by heavy machine gun fire and many were killed. Having emptied his flame thrower, Private Hendershott attacked the enemy with his carbine, then picked up a sub-machine gun and at close range killed an enemy soldier who was charging toward him. Observing three enemy soldiers setting up a machine gun, he threw a hand grenade which killed the men. Private Hendershott, by his extraordinary heroism and indomitable fighting spirit, so inspired his guerrilla comrades that they continued their attack with renewed energy and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. 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.