(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Stanley J. Kras (ASN: 36028173), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Mount Austen, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 2 – 3 January 1943. Private Kras, an automatic rifleman, with a companion, volunteered to cover the withdrawal of his platoon. With the enemy preparing to flank the new position, Private First Class Kras purposefully allowed the hostile force to advance to within 10 feet of himself. His companion was wounded, and alone, he killed 13 of the enemy and thereby stopped the attack. This action secured the safety of the platoon. At dawn of the ensuing morning, in the face of active enemy sniper fire, Private First Class Kras killed four more enemy before rejoining his platoon. His 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 Americal Division, and the United States Army.