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), [then Second Lieutenant] Henry Glen Hynds, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 188th Glider Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Nichols Field, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 10 to 12 February 1945. Over a three-day period, early in which he was wounded, Lieutenant Hynds led his platoon in taking its objective, then single-handedly attacked and destroyed a Japanese machine gun nest, rescued three wounded soldiers, and defended his newly-won position against powerful counterattacks. On 10 February Lieutenant Hynds was given the mission of seizing and holding high ground near Nichols Field. Advancing into heavy machinegun fire, he and his men captured the position, but immediately came under a heavy concentration of automatic weapons fire from the reverse slope of the hill they had captured. One man was killed and three wounded by the murderous enemy fire, momentarily disorganizing the platoon. Lieutenant Hynds quickly reorganized his fighting units. Surveying the situation, he determined that removal of the enemy machine gun position must be accomplished immediately, and set out to attack the nest himself. Advancing across open terrain which was covered by machinegun fire and flat-trajectory fire from anti-aircraft guns, Lieutenant Hynds attacked the machinegun nest and killed four of its crew. He was wounded in the effort, but ignored his injury. Disdaining advice to seek treatment, he went forward again to the side of three wounded soldiers and removed them to a place of safety, although constantly harassed by sniper fire and long-range machinegun bullets. Next he located the enemy positions which were firing at his men and relayed the information to his Artillery support, which plastered the area under his direction so successfully that his platoon was able to occupy and dig in on the reverse slope of the hill. Although weakened by his wound, Lieutenant Hynds remained at his post and directed the defense of his platoon’s positions throughout the night and following day. Early on the morning of 12 August, the enemy staged a powerful attack, backed by mortars and heavy machineguns. A mortar shell landed in the defense perimeter and killing one man and wounding three. Lieutenant Hynds hurried to the place and manned the position himself, preventing the Japanese from exploiting the gap in the platoon’s lines. He did not permit evacuation for treatment of his wound until he had assured himself that his soldiers were holding, and that their position was secure. First Lieutenant Hynds’ 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 11th Airborne Division, and the United States Army.