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 Donald E. Breckenridge (ASN: 20916195), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Ipil, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 17 December 1944. The patrol of which Private First Class Breckenridge was lead scout was returning from a mission to locate enemy machine gun and mortar fire. Private First Class Breckenridge immediately assaulted and knocked out a machine gun position. Then, seeing his platoon leader seriously wounded and lying in an exposed spot, he went to his assistance in spite of the enemy fire. After administering first aid he picked the officer up and was carrying hm to safety when a rifle shot knocked him down. He rose and struggled on, still carrying the wounded officer, until a burst of machine gun fire killed him. Private First Class Breckenridge displayed extraordinary courage and gave his life in a heroic endeavor to carry his platoon leader to safety. Private First Class Breckenridge’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 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.