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 Captain (Cavalry) Ralph Burton Praeger (ASN: 0-21185), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces on 12 and 13 January 1942, during a daring night attack against the enemy at Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 January 1942. When the enemy broke through the main defenses at Lingayen on 22 December 1941, Captain Praeger promptly commenced guerrilla operations against the Japanese. He struck his first blow against an important Japanese airfield at Tuguegarao, Cagayan on the night of 12 – 13 January 1942. Leading less than 100 men against 2,000, he took the enemy completely by surprise, seized the airfield and killed about 200 Japanese soldiers. Captain Praeger’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.