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 Emil Pavlovich (ASN: 36209911), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces during an infantry attack on Hill 260 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 19 March 1944. The platoon in which Private First Class Pavlovich was scout had worked up the southwest slope of the hill and had reached a point immediately below the crest when the enemy opened with heavy rifle and machine gun fire from a fortified line 30 yards in extent along the hilltop at a distance of 15 yards. Private First Class Pavlovich, at the point of the platoon, rose to an erect position and stood fully exposed to the enemy fire in order to locate the enemy’s firing positions. In the face of machine gun, rifle and grenade fire, Private First Class Pavlovich observed four enemy pillboxes and dropped his rifle in order to point out their locations to our machine gunners by means of phosphorus grenades hurled at the pillboxes. Midway during his action, Private First Class Pavlovich was seriously wounded in the chest. In spite of his wound, the infantryman continued to stand in his place and hurled grenades until he had thrown a total of 75 at the enemy and three of the four pillboxes had been knocked out by his efforts and his platoon’s. At this point Private First Class Pavlovich collapsed from loss of blood, dying 15 minutes later. Private First Class Pavlovich’s 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.