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 J. Podsiadly (ASN: 36689535), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company E, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action near Salat, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 April 1945. Company E, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, had assaulted an important hill position, the key to higher ground. An estimated ninety enemy troops were defending it from emplacements or behind rocks. The enemy’s grenade, mortar, rifle and machine gun fire forced the company to take cover. Sergeant Podsiadly, an automatic rifleman, worked his way forward alone under a heavy grenade bombardment to a position forty yards from the top of the hill. Suddenly he rose and dashed to the crest of the hill, firing his automatic rifle. Even after he had reached the top, he remained standing and fired along the crest and reverse slope of the hill. The defenders were killed, at least five by Sergeant Podsiadly’s well aimed shots, or fled to the reverse slope. Other men of his company, inspired by his actions, joined him on the crest of the hill and dug in for the night. The next day the Japanese were driven from the reverse slope, leaving forty dead. Sergeant Podsiadly’s extraordinary heroism in single-handedly storming a Japanese stronghold against tremendous odds played a major part in the advance of his company against the enemy. His 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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.