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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Loren Gregory Windom (ASN: 0-275591), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Intramuros, Manila, Philippine Islands, on 23 and 24 February 1945. On that date, a portion of the south wall was being held by a strong Japanese force that had stood under repeated battalion attacks. Under enemy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire, Colonel Windom worked forward by quick rushes over the rubble and debris and reached a position from which he observed the enemy only 15 yards away. From the exposed position under the continuing enemy fire, Colonel Windom formulated a plan of attack against the wall, then, creeping among the debris, dashed to another wall and climbed up the rubble to the top. Running along to a point directly above the Japanese-held passages, he observed the placements and formulated a plan of attack against the south bastion. Retracing the fire-swept route, he returned to the regimental command post and arranged for supporting fire and a smoke screen. Again going forward, Colonel Windom assumed personal command of the forces attacking under his plan and, again scaling the south wall under continuing enemy fire, directed the successful attack against the strongly entrenched enemy force. Through his gallantry and brilliant leadership, Colonel Windom was an inspiration to his troops and upheld the finest traditions of the military service.