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 Technical Sergeant Elmer Warren Kaich (ASN: 37393580), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Mount Calvi, Italy, on 15 September 1944. Assigned the mission of obtaining vital information on enemy dispositions and strength, Technical Sergeant Kaich led his platoon through a small draw into enemy positions. Suddenly, a strong enemy force delivered an intense concentration of machine gun, machine pistol, and rifle fire from the front and both flanks, and within a few moments a very heavy mortar barrage was directed upon the platoon. Realizing that he must quickly organize his men to prevent possible annihilation, Technical Sergeant Kaich skillfully maneuvered his men into defensive positions, braving intense fire as he personally placed each squad. After two hostile machine guns had been silenced, he boldly moved forward to within 30 yards of the emplacement. In the face of direct fire, he hurled a grenade, killing one of the gun crew, and killed the second member of the crew with his rifle. Inspiring his men by his cool courage and determination, he successfully directed the withdrawal of his men to safety, after securing invaluable intelligence information and leaving approximately 40 enemy dead. The skillful leadership and courageous determination of Technical Sergeant Kaich in the face of great odds were a stirring inspiration to his men, exemplifying the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflecting great credit upon himself, the 91st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.