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 Andrew James Mileham (ASN: 36478538), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Cairo, Italy, on 30 January 1944. During a heavy enemy counterattack, four Germans armed with automatic weapons advanced to a point within 15 feet of Private Mileham’s forward machinegun position before they were discovered. The Germans, noticing an automatic rifleman on Private Mileham’s right began throwing grenades. The automatic rifleman attempted to return fire, but his weapon jammed. A grenade explosion bent the tripod on Private Mileham’s machinegun. At this moment, Private Mileham, standing in an exposed position, opened fire with his carbine, killed one German and captured three others. He then observed four enemy machine guns at the base of the hill. Firing his disabled machinegun from the hip, he forced the Germans to abandon their weapons, one by one. As the enemy fled from the area, his bullets harassed their retreat. His courageous and determined fighting spirit aided materially in repulsing the enemy counterattack and in enabling his company to retain its position. Private Mileham’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 and the United States Army.