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 First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Clayton Hiloman Mickelsen (ASN: 0-379323), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Veterinary Corps, 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces at Rosario, La Union, Philippine Islands, on 22 December 1941, in the Philippine Islands. Under heavy enemy fire, the last group of straggling American troops made it across a bridge with a column of Japanese tanks rapidly closing. Seeing a number of wounded soldiers near the bridge that were in danger of being left behind, Lieutenant Mickelsen drove his veterinary truck onto the bridge and set it on fire, effectively blocking the enemy advance. He then joined another soldier in a scout car and, with two men, picked up the wounded and gave orders to others left behind to help them to safety. His heroic actions saved the lives of many wounded soldier. First Lieutenant Mickelsen’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 and the United States Army.