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 Raymond Mancil Baser (ASN: 37615204), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Breakneck Ridge, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 10 December 1944. Private Baser was serving as an automatic rifleman in Company E during an attack on strongly defended Japanese ridge positions. The company’s lead platoon advanced to within 20 yards of the enemy, and was then subjected to a heavy concentration of hand grenades, mortar, and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Baser was seriously wounded by an exploding grenade, but refused evacuation and insisted on continuing the assault with his comrades, even advancing forward of the leading elements firing furiously with his BAR. He drove several Japanese from their defenses, only to see them reorganized on a nearby hill and again subjected his battered platoon to heavy fire. Sergeant Baser once more moved beyond the skirmish line and killed five enemy with one burst from his automatic rifle. Although hit for the second time by grenade fragments, and almost unable to walk, he determinedly pressed forward until he was hit in the wrist by a rifle bullet. Only then when he was unable to fire his heavy gun any longer, did he consent to go to the rear for medical treatment. Private First Class Baser’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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.