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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Bruce S. Eldridge, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 5 August 1943. Lieutenant Eldridge led his platoon in a fierce flank attack which broke the Japanese resistance in the battle at Twin Hills, New Georgia. His company had fought its way to within 25 yards of the enemy’s hill positions when he was ordered to lead an assault on heavily fortified left flank strongpoints. He pushed through a screen of rifle, machine gun, and grenade fire, skillfully directing his men in their persistent advance and killing at least four Japanese riflemen and machine gunners. Although he was suffering from the concussion of a grenade explosion which threw him to the ground, he ordered his men to fix bayonets and led them in a final assault which completely annihilated the enemy. His courageous action and superior leadership not only enabled his company to capture its objective but crushed the resistance which had opposed the entire battalion. First Lieutenant Eldridge’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 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.