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 Curtis Earl Strong, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces near Digdig, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 March 1945. Private First Class Strong was second scout of a twelve-man combat reconnaissance patrol moving down a narrow jungle trail to the Talavera River. When the patrol was suddenly ambushed by enemy snipers well hidden in the jungle, he opened fie and killed one of the enemy. The snipers fired again, seriously wounding one man and hitting Private First Class strong in the shoulder, fracturing it and rendering his left arm useless. Despite his wound, he continued to fire against the enemy using only one arm and providing covering fire for an officer who came forward to give first aid to the other wounded man. The squad leader then moved up to bandage Private Strong’s shoulder, but he insisted that his rifle be reloaded first. Forced to sit cross-legged to furnish support for his rifle, he continued to expose himself and maintained covering fire for his comrades while he was receiving first aid. Though weakened through loss of blook, Private First Class Strong again had his rifle reloaded and killed a second and possibly a third Japanese. Enemy fire had mean while killed one member of the patrol and wounded two others, all within twenty yards of where Private First Class Strong was sitting. Through his indomitable courage and sustained heroism in the face of grave danger, he provided time for his comrades to be evacuated to safety and enabled the patrol to continue on its mission. Private First Class Strong’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.