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 Technician Fifth Grade Leon Gustave Felt (39902244), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces at Mount Cabunganan, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 3 December 1944. Advancing through very rugged terrain his troop encountered the enemy entrenched in a strong position astride a narrow ridge. The enemy were well dug in, their rifle pits being concealed with top coverings of brush and grass. During an attack by our troops, the advance of the right platoon was temporarily diverted by heavy enemy fire, but upon receiving reinforcing fire from the left platoon the intensity of the enemy fire slackened. Seizing this opportunity Technician Felt, a scout for his platoon, voluntarily rushed the nearest enemy rifle pit, and grasping the top cover, stripped it off, exposing three occupants whom he killed. Continuing his advance he reached and uncovered a second pit and killed three more enemy. He then advanced toward a third pit but, was struck and wounded by the fragments from an exploding hand grenade. Despite his wound and the warning shouts of his comrades, he continued to push his attack, and reaching the foxhole killed its two occupants. Unable to advance farther because of his wounds, he from his advanced position directed the attack of his platoon upon remaining enemy within the position. This attack was successful and the enemy were driven from the position with heavy losses. Technician Felt’s prompt and heroic actions in voluntarily attacking the enemy single-handed were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army.