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 Carroll T. O’Donald (ASN: 20805419), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cairo, Italy, on 31 January 1944. During a company attack against strongly-held enemy positions on the slope of a hill, Sergeant O’Donald, acting as platoon sergeant, advanced with his platoon on the left flank of his company. During the advance his platoon leader was wounded by withering machine gun fire from an enemy-held house in the path of the attack. Sergeant O’Donald immediately took command and moved his platoon to a more advantageous position on the flank. He established a base of fire and led his men in a coordinated attack on the firmly held hostile positions. Approaching the enemy, the platoon was pinned down by heavy machine gun and mortar fire. Sergeant O’Donald dauntlessly rushed an enemy-held house, firing as he ran. The Germans, 28 in all, were completely surprised by his action and promptly surrendered. Sergeant O’Donald’s courageous actions and aggressive leadership were an inspiration to all members of his platoon. He was mortally wounded in a later action. Staff Sergeant O’Donald’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 and the United States Army.