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 Private Francis Hartley Gisborne (ASN: 39321777), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 February 1944 near Cassino, Italy. Private Gisborne was serving as a member of an intelligence and reconnaissance platoon which captured a hill position from a numerically superior German force. Following the taking of the objective, Private Gisborne, under intense rifle, machine gun and heavy mortar fire, voluntarily made his way to the most forward point of the hill, and silenced an enemy machine gun. On two other occasions he again made the hazardous journey to the exposed point and killed two snipers located to the rear of the hill. Later the enemy laid a tremendous volume of small arms and mortar fire on the platoon’s position. Expecting a counterattack, Private Gisborne made his way to a point within 30 feet of the reverse slope of the hill. As the Germans came into view over a ledge, Private Gisborne courageously rose to a standing position and calmly fired into their ranks, killing four and wounding one, to repel the attack. Wounded in this action, Private Gisborne refused to leave his comrades and remained to aid in repelling numerous attacks. His courageous determination and fighting spirit provided an inspiration for his fellow soldiers and his performance reflect the finest tradition of the American Soldier.