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 Howard M. Eastwood (ASN: 38063831), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 November 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Acting as a scout far in advance of his squad, Private Eastwood sighted eight to ten enemy soldiers about 100 yards ahead of him. After flashing the message back to his squad leaders, he stood upright in the tall grass, in the open line of fire of enemy snipers, and emptied his Tommy gun, killing several; and dispersing the others. He was wounded by a sniper during this heroic action and died later in the day. Private Eastwood’s 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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.