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 Staff Sergeant Robert J. Hutson (ASN: 19135242), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 363d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 July 1944, near Riparabella, Italy. From his position in an outpost, Staff Sergeant Hutson, observing an enemy machine gun firing on a group of Medical Aidmen who were attempting to evacuate casualties, on his own initiative moved forward to knock out the enemy gun. Followed by a comrade, he crawled to the peak of a hill approximately twenty-five yards from the enemy weapon, which was protected by at least a squad of riflemen and two snipers firing from the rear. Throwing a hand grenade into the position, Staff Sergeant Hutson sprang to his feet and assaulted the enemy, firing his automatic rifle from the hip. Cutting down two Germans who attempted to flee, Staff Sergeant Hutson engaged the remaining enemy in a desperate, bitter fight and killed nine Germans. Opening fire on other Germans who were firing at him from the right flank, he continued to fight until his ammunition became exhausted. In the absence of enemy machine gun fire from the hostile position, Staff Sergeant Hutson’s company was able to continue its advance, and the Aidmen were able to proceed with the evacuation of the wounded. The daring and combat spirit displayed by Staff Sergeant Hutson in carrying out his voluntary mission bring honor to the Army of the United States.