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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Luz A. Cisneros (ASN: 19060862), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery D, 1st Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps (Philippine Islands) in action against enemy forces on 5 May 1942, at Corregidor, in the Philippine Islands. During the final Japanese assault against the besieged American garrison on Corregidor, enemy troops infiltrated into a battery area and set up gun emplacements. With no thought of personal safety, Sergeant Cisneros assaulted two Japanese machine gun nests with hand grenades and single-handedly destroyed them. Later, he fearlessly led a group in attacking and annihilating a third machine gun and sniper nest. He then exposed himself to hostile fire again and obtained vitally needed ammunition from supporting troops. By his gallant initiative, inspiring courage And complete disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Cisneros rendered invaluable aid to his comrades at a most critical time and proved himself worthy of the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

    Action Date:

    December 29, 1941
    Headquarters, Philippine Coast Artillery Command, General Orders No. 29 (1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Luz A. Cisneros (ASN: 19060862), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters Battery, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 29 December 1941. During an intense Japanese bombing and strafing attack on the beleaguered American forces on Corregidor, a regimental motor pool and shop was set afire and the recovery of vital motor vehicles and shop equipment was made dangerous by exploding ammunition within the building. With no thought of personal safety, Sergeant Cisneros voluntarily assisted in moving vehicles and equipment from the burning building to a place of safety. By his outstanding courage, initiative, and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Cisneros, at the risk of his life, saved valuable equipment at a time when it was most desperately needed by the gallant defenders of Corregidor. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.