Alva Restiva Fitch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Alva Restiva Fitch, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces on 15 January 1942, in the vicinity of Bataan in the Philippine Islands. Major Fitch led his forces in action to delay the Japanese development of the Mauban position. During the delaying actions immediately preceding the occupation of the final defensive positions in Bataan, he commanded the Provisional Artillery Battalion in support of the 1st Philippine Army Division at the battle of Mauban. During this battle, the American and Philippine forces were completely cut off by a Japanese encircling movement. After seven days of fruitless efforts to reopen communications with the remainder of the I Corps, with ammunition and food exhausted, it was decided to abandon the Mauban position. Captain Fitch, after destroying his guns, used his artillerymen to clear and defend a trail along the coast over which the bulk of the besieged force escaped. Major Fitch’s intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.

Allied Force