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 Captain (Infantry) J. C. Wollard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces on Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 3 April 1945. Company A, 132d Infantry Regiment was receiving intense mortar, 20-mm. gun and machine gun fire from enemy positions approximately forty yards away on the same ridge. Enemy troops were also infiltrating the lines with dynamite charges strapped to their back, planning to engage in suicidal hand-to-hand struggles. Company A’s right flank began a withdrawal to the reverse slope. Upon learning this, Captain Wollard immediately went to this flank position, reorganized his forces and personally led them in recapturing their original line. Just then a 90-mm. mortar shell exploded nearby, killing two of his men and painfully wounding him. Despite the pain, Captain Wollard remained with his troops, exhorting them to hold their position and return the enemy fire. The pillbox was eliminated and its ten occupants killed. Only when the position had been silenced it Captain Wollard return to his command post to have his wound dressed. His courage, initiative, and heroic leadership inspired his men and made possible their victory on this occasion. Captain Wollard’s outstanding leadership, 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 Americal Division, and the United States Army.