The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Anthony Whitaker (ASN: 35789311), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 124th Cavalry Regiment (Special), MARS Task Force, in action against enemy forces at Loi Kang, Central Burma, on 2 February 1945. After firing three rounds from a rocket launcher, which failed to detonate, at an enemy pillbox, Private First Class Whitaker, of his own volition secured a rifle and hand grenades, and in the face of withering automatic weapons fire, rushed the pillbox and rendered it ineffective. The fire from this pillbox had already taken the lives of a company commander and seven other men, and its elimination enabled the troop to continue the attack without further loss of life. The self-sacrifice of Private First Class Whitaker, together with his courage and initiative, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the MARS Task Force, and the United States Army.