(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 Private Francis John Laurain (ASN: 36131186), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a runner with Company K, 3d Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy, on 31 May 1944. Private Laurain saw some of the men withdrawing in the face of a German counterattack, and left the Company Command Post, rallied them, and led the group through an intense barrage of mortar and machine gun fire to the former positions. Private Laurain’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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.