(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 Private First Class Avon D. Sherman (ASN: 19021113), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 228th Signal Operations Company (Separate), U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces near Tagudin, Illocos Sur, Philippine Islands, on 15 December 1941. Private First Class Sherman was accompanying a detachment of troops as an official army photographer when it was ambushed. Although he was wounded in the first burst of gunfire, Private First Class Sherman abandoned his camera and took over and operated a machine gun which the regular gun crew had been able to get into action. The untested Filipino troops were stymied by the jammed gun when Private First Class Sherman took over, adjusted the gun, and although wounded in the arm, he continued to man the gun until the attack was repulsed. Later he was cut off from the American forces, but circled the Japanese lines for nearly 50 miles and rejoined his comrades. Private First Class Sherman’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.