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 Vernon H. Fairchild, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a scout with Company K, 3d Battalion, 123d Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on Mount Calugong, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 April 1945. In its attack in the Mount Calugong area, Company K had been pinned down for 36 hours by a Japanese strongpoint, well-hidden and dug-in to command a narrow mountain trail with machineguns, mortars and rifles. The steep sides of the trail made it impossible for the Americans to maneuver and flank the enemy stronghold. Two machine guns, so close to our lines that they could not be hit by mortar or artillery fire, were found to be the key to the enemy post. Private First Class Fairchild volunteered for the dangerous job of scouting them. Moving forward, he deliberately let the Japanese see and fire at him, thus giving their positions away. After locating the guns as well as the foxholes of supporting rifleman, the daring scout circled to the flank until he was within five yards of one of the guns. Springing suddenly to his feet, Private First Class Fairchild charged the gun, his sub-machinegun killed three Japanese in the first nest. Continuing, he rushed the second gun and killed its crew of two as well as a nearby Japanese rifleman. Inspired by his daring example, his platoon immediately took advantage of the enemy’s confusion to smash ahead and capture the objective. Private First Class Fairchild’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 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.