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 Staff Sergeant Earl Leroy Barncard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 14 February 1945 and from 24 February 1945 to 3 March 1945. When his infantry company was temporarily halted by heavy enemy resistance during the street fighting in Manila on 14 February, Sergeant Barncard volunteered to determine the strength and location of the enemy’s position. Exposed to intense machine gun and mortar fire he advanced until he had an unobstructed view of the enemy’s position, which he found to consist of two concrete pillboxes housing light machine guns and surrounded by riflemen in foxholes. Returning with the information he pointed out a covered flanking approach which enabled his platoon to capture the objective and destroy the enemy. From 24 February to 3 March he led repeated combat patrols into an area to be cleared of enemy soldiers. During this period he personally killed fifteen, while his patrols killed an additional 37. On 29 March, although wounded by an enemy grenade, he calmly fired on and killed the enemy who threw it and, observing two others trying to escape from concealment nearby, he killed them both. Only then did he permit himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Sergeant Barncard’s gallant disregard for his own safety in the face of grave danger materially aided the advance of his unit against the enemy. His 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.