The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Elton Woodrow Ringsak (ASN: 0-21409), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 January 1944. On that date Colonel Ringsak displayed outstanding gallantry and heroic leadership while participating in combat against the enemy in the vicinity of Mount Porchia, Italy. When his battalion was pinned down as a result of accurate enemy fire, he personally visited the units of his command, inspiring the officers and leaders, reorganizing the battalion, and directing their operations to a successful conclusion. Painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and conducted the reorganizing of the battalion until the objective was reached. While directing the preparation for the defense, Colonel Ringsak was gravely wounded, as a result of enemy artillery, and evacuated. By his gallant leadership and heroic disregard for danger, Colonel Ringsak was a source of inspiration to the officers and men of his battalion and his personal conduct of the operations assured the success of the attack. Lieutenant Colonel Ringsak’s intrepid leadership, 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.