(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Corporal Walter Simon Serankowski (Seran) (ASN: 33022679), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 4 January 1943. On that date Sergeant Joseph Stack was preceding a patrol which encountered an enemy ambush consisting of two machine guns and several snipers. He was hit four times and was unable to walk or crawl. Seeing that his sergeant was still alive, Corporal Serankowski left his weapon behind and crawled 50 yards through enemy fire. The enemy fire was only 30 to 354 yards away and the dense jungle added to the dangers of Corporal Serankowski’s heroic actions. He reached the wounded sergeant and dragged him back to a position where litter bearers could evacuate him to an aid station. Corporal Serankowski’s actions paved the way for a later, large-scale offensive by combined American troops, that resulted in heavy losses to the Japanese. Corporal Serankowski’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.