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 Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Gaudencio Licerio (ASN: 6866189), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 March 1942, at Bataan, in the Philippine Islands. During the battle of Anyasen Point, Staff Sergeant Licerio was designated by his company commander as leader of a suicide squad. Under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Licerio engaged the enemy with hand grenades, thereby enabling his battalion to go forward and later to take the enemy positions. Staff Sergeant Licerio’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 and the United States Army.