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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ralph L. Bjorkland (ASN: 0-1309899), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Kibawe, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1945. A part of Company C, 124th Infantry Regiment was pinned down in a dense forest by fire from enemy snipers and concealed pillboxes at close range. Several casualties had been sustained. Zin order to divert the enemy fire, First Lieutenant Bjorkland led his platoon to a position where they could engage two enemy machine guns and thus permit other members of the company to move the wounded to cover. The enemy opened fire on the wounded men and Fist Lieutenant Bjorkland, with complete disregard for his own safety, immediately seized an automatic rifle and moved forward alone. As he engaged the enemy single-handed, he was hit and fatally wounded. Through his inspiring action in giving his life while trying to save wounded men from enemy fire. First Lieutenant Bjorkland proved himself worthy of the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflected great credit upon himself, the 31st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.