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 Edwin Chester Lapsis (ASN: 36292190), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Dagami, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 2 November 1944. Private Lapsis was a member of a heavy machine gun platoon supporting a rifle company in its attack against an enemy force west of Dagami. As the riflemen advanced, they were stopped by heavy enemy mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire. Private Lapsis, unable to fire effectively against the enemy from his position, voluntarily left cover and ran forward through two hundred yards of intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire. While crawling the last thirty yards to a new position, he received a serious wound, as a result of which he later lost his leg. Continuing forward, he set up his weapon, delivered intense machine gun fire against the enemy positions and, in the face of heavy return fire, remained at his gun until the enemy fire was neutralized. Private Lapsis, by his extraordinary heroism in the face of heavy enemy fire, his outstanding initiative, and relentless determination, enabled his company to continue its advance. 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 and the United States Army.