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 Technical Sergeant John J. Gallagher (ASN: 6958810), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with G Troop, 2d Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 February 1945. Sergeant Gallagher was a squad leader in a Cavalry rifle Troop which, together with the service elements of the Cavalry column entering Manila, became engaged after dark with a strong enemy forces barricaded in concrete buildings on both sides of a wide street. For over three hours the troop was subjected to heavy fire from rifles, machine guns, grenades, dynamite charges. When ammunition began to run short, Sergeant Gallagher left the troop position in a sandbagged building and twice run across the fire swept street, lighted by flames from blazing vehicles and a burning ammunition dump, to procure ammunition from trucks in the street. Later, damaging fire was being received from a sandbagged bunker in the center of the street. Sergeant Gallagher rushed the position, entered it and killed the enemy machine-gun crew inside with his sub-machine gun. When all troop officers and the First Sergeant became casualties, Sergeant Gallagher assumed command of the troop and led it, repelling three heavy enemy counterattacks. His individual heroism and gallant leadership were an inspiration to the men of his troop and a vital factor in the eventual success of the engagement. 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 and the United States Army.