Elmer J. Schenck

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Elmer J. Schenck (39713?32), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 112th Medical Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 June 1945, in the Cagayan Valley, Philippine Islands. During the bitter fighting in the Cagayan Valley, Private First Class Schenck, an Ambulance Orderly, together with a companion, had driven through an enemy road block en route to forward positions when he encountered three seriously wounded men who were in need of immediate medical treatment. Although fully aware of the extreme danger involved, he courageously volunteered to assist in the attempt to take the casualties through the dangerous blockade and deliver them to a hospital. The muddy, winding road necessitated a slow rate of speed, and, as the ambulance approached a roadblock, Japanese heavy machine gun opened fire. Fearlessly moving forward in the face of the deadly barrage, Private Schenck continued driving until he was seriously wounded. Although the motor was disabled, his companion quickly took his place and rolled the bullet-riddled vehicle down the hill to safety. By his great personal courage and gallantry in voluntarily risking his own life to save the lives of three critically wounded fellow soldiers, Private First Class Schenck set an inspiring example of heroism worthy of the highest traditions of the United States Medical Service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 28th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.