(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 Joseph Ignatius Solch, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 383d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 9 April 1945. On that date, Private First Class Solch’s company attacked Kakazu Ridge before dawn, reaching the summit before dawn however, when daylight broke their protecting cover of darkness, the Japanese took them under a heavy withering barrage of fire. When his first sergeant detected an enemy 320-mm mortar site to the right flank, he send six men, including Private First Class Solch, to try and knock it out. They had crawled about 100 yards when the enemy opened fire on them with a smaller, protecting mortar. A shell landed in the midst of the six men, and all were wondered except for Private First Class Solch, and the unit was pinned flat to the ground. Aware that help couldn’t reach the trapped Americans, the enemy sent out several groups in an effort to wipe out the six-man patrol. Each time they attacked, Private First Class Solch raised up on his elbows and threw the enemy back with automatic rifle fire. Finally, one by one, the wounded men were able to crawl back to friendly lines, however the medic who was with them was too badly wounded to move. Private First Class Solch put him on his back and crawled with him 100 yards, through constant machine gun fire, to bring his comrade to safety. When he reached the rest of his platoon, 40 to 50 Japanese sneaked up to within a few feet of the Americans and then rose and amid screaming and yelling, rushed the platoon. Private First Class Solch raised up and shot three clips into the frenzied attackers and his comrades, seeing his actions, were galvanized into action and repelled the enemy. Private First Class Solch’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 96th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.