The 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment (reinforced by Weapons Troop, 12th Cavalry Regiment, Reconnaissance and Train Defense Platoon, 12th Cavalry Regiment, and 2d Platoon, 1st Collecting Troop, 1st Medical Squadron), is cited for extraordinary heroism in overcoming unusually difficult and hazardous conditions in action against the enemy at Leyte Province, Philippine Islands, from 28 November to 1 December 1944. Having fought to the top of the ridge running east from Mount Cabungangan, cutting their own trail in heavy undergrowth during a raging typhoon and consistently meeting a hail of fire from the enemy, the 1st Squadron found supplies difficult to obtain. The Squadron was, at the time, after weeks of heavy fighting, down to 60 percent of its T/O strength. On 28 November 1944, while the squadron was attacking a strong Japanese defensive position to the northeast, it was attacked from the rear by Japanese who had infiltrated during the night, and both supply and communications were severed. Without food, short of ammunition, and reinforcements 2 days march away, the squadron prepared to attack. Containing the force to the north and east, reversing its direction of attack, and after a 12-hour march through untracked jungle, the squadron surrounded and wiped out the Japanese attacking force by continuous day and night hand-to-hand fighting. Turning its attention to the original enemy force and employing hand-to-hand fighting, all resistance in the area was neutralized. By this action, the 1st Squadron, reinforced, prepared the way for the advance of the division into Ormoc Valley. Every officer and man of the squadron displayed outstanding spirit, courage, determination, and an unflinching will to conquer.