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 Narcisco Ortilano (ASN: 6611329), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces at Barrie Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 11 January 1942. In an attempted penetration by hostile forces which involved a flank attack on the position occupied by his company, hand-to-hand fighting soon developed. When eleven enemy soldiers attacked the machine gun nest manned by Private First Class Ortilano, he shot four of them before a stoppage put his machine gun out of action, whereupon he relied on his pistol, killing five more of the enemy with the sidearm when it, too, jammed. Weaponless, and confronted by the two remaining enemy advancing toward him with fixed bayonets, this intrepid soldier seized the rifle of the first enemy soldier as he made a thrust which cost Private First Class Ortilano the loss of his thumb. During the brief struggle, he was wounded in the back by the remaining hostile soldier, whom he killed with the bayonet which he had wrested from the first. Turning, he fired upon and killed the first of the two enemy who, by this time, was fleeing. In spite of his serious wound, Private First Class Ortilano returned to his gun position where he was subsequently found. Private First Class Ortilano’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 Philippine Scouts.