The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Edward J. Krygowski (ASN: 36015183), 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 Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 2 January 1943. On that date the Japanese were pressing too hard for his platoon to hold their forward position and the order was give to pull back to a location that could be more easily defended. Corporal Krygowski and a comrade volunteered to remain behind to cover the withdrawal, despite the chance that they would not be able to escape. As the enemy advanced on the post, the two men separated, trying to take cover from the hail of machine gun bullets and Corporal Krygowski was wounded in the leg. Despite this, he began crawling toward a spot from which he hear a cry for help, thinking it was his comrade. It was a trap but Corporal Krygowski continued to perform his entire task, repulsing the enemy at the cost of his own life. The number of dead found near him revealed his valiant efforts. Corporal Krygowski’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, 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.