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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Raymond Emerson Kendall (ASN: 0-19143), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 12 May 1944. As he and his platoon were about to assault a building, Lieutenant Kendall pulled the pin on a hand grenade and prepared to throw it. But, he was his by machine gun fire and received mortal wounds. Unable to throw the grenade, he held it to his stomach and fell with it to prevent injury to his men. Lieutenant Colonel Kendall’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 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.