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 Captain (Infantry) Laban William Knipp (ASN: 0-416858), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, 3d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 February 1945. During the battle for Manila, Captain Knipp, Commanding Company K, 148th Infantry Regiment, was leading his men forward through the Binendo district under heavy enemy mortar, rocket, machine gun, and rifle fire when the enemy set fire to the buildings on the right flank and front and deployed troops to the left flank in an attempt to encircle his forces. Although the enemy now covered every route of escape, except those already blocked by the most intense heat and flame, he calmly instructed his men in a plan of withdrawal. Then, arming himself with an automatic rifle and smoke grenades, he walked into the middle of an open intersection covered by heavy enemy machine gun fire. Neutralizing the enemy position with a long burst from his own weapon and throwing a smoke grenade toward the enemy, while suffering a back wound, he remained exposed and directed his men across the intersection to the next block. Coming to a second intersection, commanded by enemy machine guns on either side, he quickly moved into the fire-swept area and although hit in the stomach almost immediately, threw smoke grenades and directed covering fire until all of his men had crossed the intersection before him. Reaching a bridge, he personally directed the action until the entire company had crossed and the wounded had been evacuated. By his heroic actions despite his wounds, his coolness under fire and exceptional combat judgment, Captain Knipp extricated his company from a seemingly hopeless situation with a minimum of casualties. Captain Knipp’s outstanding leadership, 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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.