Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

23rd Infantry Division "Americal Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jay L. Swenson, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on 15 March 1944, at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. While he was carrying rations to soldiers in forward positions during the battle at Hill 260, the Japanese suddenly delivered a concentrated barrage of mortar fire which covered the entire perimeter. Private Swenson and a comrade took cover in a small open pit in the front lines. When an enemy mortar projectile landed in the pit, Private Swenson threw himself on the shell and was seriously wounded in absorbing the full shock of the explosion with his body. His heroic act at the risk of his own life protected his comrade and other nearby soldiers from all effects of the mortar explosion. Private First Class Swenson'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 and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 864 (1944).