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 Sergeant Howard J. Weiss (ASN: 20648420), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the Papuan Campaign near Cape Sudest, New Guinea, on 16 November 1942. While the 128th Infantry Regiment was attacking south of the Buna Mission, some of the men were loaded on barges just off the coast while others advanced along the beach when several Japanese Zero airplanes flew over and began attacking the barges. Staff Sergeant John MacGowan, Sergeant Howard Weiss, and Corporal Gordon Snyder, seeing their comrades struggling and drowning in the water, together with other men, found a small row boat and rowed out in the water. Despite repeated bombing and strafing by enemy planes, and explosions aboard the ships, which threw flaming debris in all directions, Sergeant Weiss and his two comrades made two trips to the burning ships. Sergeant Weiss’ 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.