(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Corporal Ervin M. Bickwermert (ASN: 36030242), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 2 January 1943. Corporal Bickwermert led a squad up a steep slope in the face of enemy mortars and machine guns, firing his rifle incessantly and killing and wounding many Japanese. Finally, near the summit, he fell with a bullet in his chest. As he was being evacuated, his dying words to his litter bearers were “hold that hill.” Corporal Bickwermert’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, 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.