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 Captain (Infantry) Harold Elwood Hantelmann, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 1 to 3 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Captain Hantelmann carried on his duties as battalion staff officer and commander of a heavy weapons company during an attack on Buna village with complete disregard for his personal safety. In addition to organizing and directing mortar fire while exposed to the enemy, he led an assault on a fortified Japanese position, again exposing himself while he threw hand grenades into a machine gun emplacement. Although wounded in the head in this action, he continued to lead his troops in a successful assault on the enemy position. Captain Hantelmann’s outstanding 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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.