(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Staff Sergeant Elver Kenneth Kittleson (ASN: 36217412), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 1 May 1945. Staff Sergeant Kittleson led four men to the enemy emplacements at the top of an escarpment, under a murderous hail of enemy automatic fire. Despite being wounded in the head, Staff Sergeant Kittleson continued firing until is death, keeping the enemy-occupied until another squad could flank the pillbox and neutralize it. His heroism and leadership resulted in the capture of the escarpment and the destruction of its defenses. Staff Sergeant Kittleson’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 77th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.