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 Technical Sergeant Richard F. Serrahn (ASN: 36206886), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 March 1945, along the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands. While holding a hill, a platoon of the 127th Infantry Regiment was attacked before dawn by two companies of Japanese using rifles and machine guns, hand grenades, land mines and TNT charges. The forward positions were overrun and Sergeant Serrahn was blown from his foxhole by a TNT explosion. Though suffering from concussion, he quickly returned to his emplacement, boldly stood up amidst fire from a light machine gun and neutralized the weapon and its two-man crew. Then discovering a seriously wounded comrade, he left cover, moved ten yards through a concentration of fire and exploding grenades and assisted the man back to comparative safety. Returning to resume the exchange of heavy fire with the enemy, he killed three more Japanese. He then saw another critically wounded soldier and, again disregarding his own safety, moved through ten yards of intense fire and brought the wounded man back to cover. During most of the four-hour fight, Sergeant Serrahn fought single-handedly from his foxhole. However, whenever circumstances permitted, he left his position and, risking his life at every step, carried ammunition to other positions on his flank despite the rifle and machine gun fire, exploding grenades and TNT bursts. By his outstanding heroism and great personal bravery, Sergeant Serrahn rescued two wounded comrades and greatly assisted his fellow soldiers in repelling an enemy attack. Technical Sergeant Serrahn’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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army. He was killed in action on 23 April 1945.