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 Jesse Thomas Horner (ASN: 20505042), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 16 March 1944. During an intense enemy assault, Private First Class Horner and his comrades remained at the firing slots of their pillbox, repeatedly beating off savage attacks. Concentrating their efforts on the beleaguered position, 20 of the enemy managed to creep within a few yards of the pillbox and showered it with grenades. The screen covering the front aperture was blown off and a moment later a hand grenade landed inside the pillbox itself. With superb courage, Private First Class Horner immediately flung himself on the grenade and effectively covered the explosion with his body. As a result, he was severely wounded in both legs and feet, but all other occupants escaped injury. This soldier’s brave act in willingly risking his life to save those of his comrades 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.