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 Henrick Marlowe Becken, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 24 and 25 March 1944 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. Sergeant Becken was a member of a small patrol deep in enemy territory, when the patrol was ambushed, killing eight of his ten companions, and separated him from the other survivors. He tried to cross the river toward American lines but sniper fire exploded around him, wounding him twice in each shoulder. Later, a machine gun burst wounded him in the right arm, but he continued his evasion throughout the night. During his return to his own lines, he located two enemy bivouac areas, killing at least two Japanese sentries. When finally reaching his own lines, he directed air and artillery fire against the enemy encampments. Staff Sergeant Becken’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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.