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 Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Aquinas Thomas Colgan (ASN: 0-525920), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Chaplain with the 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Kibawe, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1945. Heavy fighting developed when the 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment attacked well-concealed enemy positions in the woods near Kibawe. Chaplain Colgan, who was holding services at the Regimental Command Post, immediately went forward to be with the troops. Despite the intensity of enemy machine gun and rifle fire, and a warning of the danger, he proceeded toward the front line to be of assistance to the wounded whom he could hear moaning and calling for help. When last seen alive he was inching his way forward through the dense undergrowth. He was found later with his arms wrapped around the legs of a soldier whom he had endeavored to drag to safety. Chaplain Colgan unhesitatingly gave his life while aiding the wounded of his battalion. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 31st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.