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 Private First Class Jennings William Crouch (ASN: 20505465), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the Battle on Hill 700 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. After advancing up the steep slope to within 15 yards of the enemy-occupied hill top, Private Crouch ran out into the path of the most intense enemy fire and made a direct frontal assault on a pillbox, firing his automatic rifle from the hip as he closed in on the fortification. Standing at the entrance with a comrade, he poured a steady stream of devastating fire into the pillbox. Although wounded by the grenades which were hurled from the pillbox, he displayed absolute unconcern for his personal safety and stood his ground firing relentlessly until all the Japanese occupying the key position were eliminated. Private Crouch’s exceptional bravery and conspicuous courage inspired a fierce aggressive spirit in his platoon, adding momentum to an attack in which the Japanese forces were defeated. Private First Class Crouch’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, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.