(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Sylvester J. Hunter, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cassio, Italy, from 6 to 8 February 1944. Second Lieutenant Hunter led a small group of seven men of his platoon in a desperate fight against overwhelming odds to take Hill 593 near Monte Cassino. He and his men held it, in the face of heavy enemy fire, for 48 hours until reinforcements arrived. His extraordinary heroism, 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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.