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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ira Boswell Cheaney, Jr. (ASN: 0-23965), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces at Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 13 January 1942. On that date, enemy snipers were delivering accurate and deadly fire into our lines from concealed vantage points in nearby trees. These tactics had resulted in many casualties and consequent lowering of morale among the personnel of Lieutenant Cheaney’s battalion. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he assembled a group of enlisted men and undertook to drive out the hostile snipers. Leading a group personally in repeated charges into the position occupied by the enemy, Lieutenant Cheaney successfully silenced the damaging fire and relieved the severe pressure on his unit. First Lieutenant Cheaney’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.