(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 Louis Testa, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces near Malvar, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 March 1945. A truck driver, during an enemy attack, Private First Class Testa became a rifleman and engaged the enemy firing his rifle at the advancing enemy until he had expended all of his ammunition. Then he took some hand grenades and rushed forward under fire. He threw hand grenades into a defiladed enemy position along a railroad embankment. After returning to his troop’s perimeter for more grenades, he advanced to within 15 feet of a Japanese mortar position where his accurate grenade-throwing put the weapon out of operation by killing or driving off the crew. Private First Class Testa made three additional forays delivering the grenades to the place where they would do the most good and thereby made a major contribution toward repelling the enemy attack. Private First Class Testa’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.



