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 Sergeant Joseph Nick Medina (ASN: 39075548), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near the Panilahan River, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 13 December 1944. Sergeant Medina led his squad in a maneuver against the Japanese south of the Panilahan River in Leyte when suddenly, sniper fire pinned them down. Ordering his men to seek cover, Sergeant Medina crept forward through the tall grass until he came within range of the bamboo thicket in which the snipers were hiding. He tossed a grenade into the thicket and then charged into it, killing three enemy snipers. He signaled his squad forward and then proceeded ahead some 200 yards where he came under machine gun fire. A nearby hut erupted with additional fire directed at Sergeant Medina. Disregarding personal risk, Sergeant Medina rushed forward alone and managed to escape all the incoming enemy gunfire until he reached a point near a small structure. He threw a grenade into the hut and, after the explosion, rushed inside, killing two Japanese, but finding two others charging him with fixed bayonets. He shot both attackers with his rifle but one of the wounded Japanese continued to attack, forcing Sergeant Medina to kill him with the bayonet. With his squad now up and clearing the hut, Sergeant Medina jumped out the window and went seeking the enemy machine gun. He quickly located it and destroyed it with grenades. By his heroic actions Sergeant Medina made a major contribution to the successful accomplishments of his platoon’s mission of securing an important position. Sergeant Medina’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, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.