The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Albert Ross Mills (ASN: 37111509), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 11 December 1944. Late in the evening of 10 December, Private First Class Mills’ company had taken an important position near Limon, but darkness prevented thorough organization of defenses. A fierce Japanese attack at the first light of dawn forced the American unit to withdraw before heavy machinegun, artillery, and rifle fire. The company received many casualties, which had to be carried out by the company as it with drew. Private First Class Mills, whose usual weapon was an M1 rifle, voluntarily armed himself with a Browning Automatic Rifle procured from a dead comrade, gathered a supply of ammunition, and placed himself in a position from which he could most effectively hold off the attackers while the wounded were evacuated. He remained at his post while his company took up a new position from which it could repel the enemy and reorganize. Private First Class Mills was found dead later the same day by another company which had retaken the hill. His BAR was burnout out from the rapid, sustained fire and all the BAR ammunition expended. He died clutching his M1 rifle, which he had been using in his last desperate attempt to hold off the enemy. The bodies of three Japanese were found directly in front of his position, and seven others were found 30 yards beyond in the area that Private First Class Mills had sprayed with his BAR. Private First Class Mills’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.