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 Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Harry Milton Thames (ASN: 0-1113476), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 48th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces near Porchio, Italy, from 7 to 9 January 1944. Second Lieutenant Thames, commanding the 2d Platoon of Company C, 48th Engineer Combat Battalion, was in great measure responsible for the successful taking and holding of the important crest of Mount Porchia, Italy. In the initial assault upon the mountain, Lieutenant Thames led and controlled his platoon up the right slope of the enemy-held crest. During this period he himself killed three enemy, one at point-blank range, before his carbine jammed into uselessness. Picking up a discarded ’03 rifle, he shot two more enemy during this phase. On the following day, Second Lieutenant Thames led a portion of a scouting party on a successful raid against enemy snipers, and, at a range of 400 yards, he killed a sniper with a shot through the face. Later, the sniper was found to have been armed with an LMG 34, and around him were several belts of expended ammunition. He had caused considerable casualties among American troops prior to his death. On two separate occasions, although unwilling to leave the scene of action but obedient to the orders of his Company Commander, he took important messages through mined and shelled areas to his Battalion Commander. Throughout the entire engagement, Second Lieutenant Thames’ leadership and courage were in the highest tradition of the Corps of Engineers and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.