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 Raymond Milby (ASN: 35250331), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 January 1943, during the Papuan Campaign at Tarakena, New Guinea. Volunteering as a member of a small patrol, Private First Class Milby swam the swollen and rapidly flowing Konombi River in broad daylight and under heavy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety and armed only with a pistol and hand grenades, he assisted in towing a rope to the opposite bank to aid the crossing of the fiver by a platoon of infantry. The successful accomplishment of this dangerous mission permitted the advance of the entire company and the securing of a bridgehead on the opposite shore. Private First Class Milby’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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.