Gaudencio Licerio

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gaudencio Licerio, Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 57th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces on 28 March 1942, at Bataan, in the Philippine Islands. During the battle of Anyasen Point, Staff Sergeant Licerio was designated by his company commander as leader of a suicide squad. Under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Licerio engaged the enemy with hand grenades, thereby enabling his battalion to go forward and later to take the enemy positions. Staff Sergeant Licerio’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.