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 Samuel Serrano Mendoza (ASN: 39725007), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 383d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Tabontabon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Private First Class Mendoza was a scout for his platoon as it advanced on the town of Tabontabon when it was halted by an enemy machine gun firing at it from close range. Under heavy fire, Private First Class Mendoza and another soldier, acting without orders, crawled forward into the village in search of the machine gun. Private First Class Mendoza, covered by his companion, charged forward, engaged two enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, and killed both of them with his bayonet. A second machine gun opened fire on the two men. The platoon was ordered to withdraw, but was prevented from carrying out the orders by the barrage. Private First Class Mendoza was wounded in four places, but insisted on moving forward to silence the other gun. Again his comrade covered his advance as he moved up, and he silenced the other gun with two hand grenades. Private First Class Mendoza and his companion then withdrew over a bank surrounding the town, which afforded them protection from enemy fire coming from the buildings. Private First Class Mendoza’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 96th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.