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 Frank Joe Kostelka, Jr. (ASN: 38090344), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 10 to 26 January 1943. Attached to an infantry company during the attack of strongly-held enemy positions, Corporal Kostelka was assigned the specific task of remaining near the command post to administer first aid to the wounded. Repeatedly throughout the engagement he exhibited extreme daring and heroism by going to administer treatment to wounded soldiers who could not be brought back to the first aid station. On each occasion he risked his personal safety in crawling to the precise place at which the wounded had been hit by machine gun or sniper bullets. After administering sulfanilamide and rendering other first aid he evacuated several of the wounded men by personally carrying or dragging them under fire to places of safety. The most striking example of Corporal Kostelka’s intrepidity was displayed when a lieutenant lading a patrol against a particularly well-fortified sector was wounded. After the officer had fallen the enemy continued firing at him. Corporal Kostelka, aware that he was almost certain to be hit, went resolutely forward to save this Lieutenant and administered first aid as bullets constantly hit the ground and trees around him. Completing emergency treatment, Corporal Kostelka, still under incessant fire, carried the Lieutenant to safety. Technician Fifth Grade Kostelka’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 and the United States Army.