The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert L. Gorell (ASN: 19187333), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Rimling, France, on 7 and 8 January 1945. Private First Class Gorell was manning a machine gun which was assigned to protect the Regimental Command Post, when he was caught in a vicious attack by a strong enemy force. Ignoring the extreme danger in which he found himself, he remained in position, aiding in the repulse of the enemy. Hostile infantry continued to attack, and Private First Class Gorell was struck by fragments of a rocket burst, but his devotion to duty had already contributed to the complete defeat of the enemy. Private First Class Gorell’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.