(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 Private Harold Latty (ASN: 34766668), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Sisterna, Italy, on 21 May 1944. His battalion, after having taken German positions, was subjected to a strong enemy counterattack, and the entire battalion was forced to withdraw to former positions. The enemy pressed the attack and threatened a breakthrough. Private Latty volunteered to salvage his company’s machineguns in the fac e of the oncoming enemy and heavy artillery barrage. Advancing under fire, he found Corporal Morris P. Nelson manning one machine gun in a sandbagged position. Private Latty jumped into the dugout and began firing the other gun at the advancing army. Under terrific enemy mortar and small arms fired directed at them, Private Latty and Corporal Nelson held their positions and fought off the counterattack. For a half hour, Private Latty and Corporal Nelson held off the enemy. Private Latty’s courage, initiative and calmness in the face of heavy odds prevented an enemy break-through which would have seriously jeopardized the entire battalion positions. Private Latty’s 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.