Hugh J. Casey’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Hugh John Casey (ASN: 0-9298), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces as Chief Engineer, U.S. Army Forces Far East, in the Philippine Islands, on 5 January 1942. Following the landings of Japanese troops on Luzon, Colonel Casey led his Engineer troops in delaying their advance by blowing up bridges. The rail and highway bridges at Calumpit over the Pampanga River were destroyed as soon as the last stragglers of the rear guard had crossed, with the Japanese in close pursuit. The Engineers under his command also destroyed facilities and supplies in Manila to deny their use to the Japanese. Colonel Casey’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.