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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Whitlow, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 158th Regimental Combat Team (Separate), attached to the 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 March 1945, in the Southwest Pacific Area. When heavy and accurate enemy fire from well-concealed positions in a wooded area near Cuenca, Luzon, Philippine Islands, held up the advance of the 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Sergeant Whitlow, an acting platoon leader in Company A, devised a bold plan to attack to reduce the hostile strongpoint. He volunteered to lead his platoon and an attached squad in a wide flanking movement, while another platoon lent fire support to the hazardous advance. Moving forward under the hot sun, Sergeant Whitlow led his men for a thousand yards, crawling much of the way, toward the location whence an assault might be launched. Subject to intense enemy sniper, machine and mortar fire within 150 yards of his objective, he directed a fierce fire fight at close range for nearly an hour until resistance was overcome. A subsequent count of enemy dead revealed that casualties had been inflicted upon the enemy in the ration of 20 to 1. The reduction of the pocket enabled the battalion to resume its advance and secure its final objective. Second Lieutenant Whitlow’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.