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 Joseph Papez, Jr. (ASN: 38084966), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bilbil Mountain, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 April 1945. Halted at the crest of a ridge by intense enemy machine gun fire from a pillbox, the infantry platoon of which Private First Class Papez was a member attempted to reduce the position with grenades before resuming the advance on strategic Hill “X”. When the enemy, returning with grenades, wounded his squad leader, Private First Class Papez rose in the face of heavy fire and charged the pillbox. After emptying his rifle into the aperture, he dropped a grenade inside, destroying the gun and killing the three Japanese occupants. As his comrades again took up the advance he continued in the lead and sighted another strongpoint. At first driven back by grenades, Private First Class Papez quickly moved in against to silence the position. In this action he was seriously wounded by machine gun fire from a near slope. His extraordinary heroism in single-handedly wiping out two enemy emplacements inspired his comrades to press the attack on the important objective to a successful conclusion. Private First Class Papez’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.