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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Lyle Joseph Deffenbaugh (ASN: 0-288505), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Mount Porchia, Italy, on 4 and 5 January 1944 in Italy. Lieutenant Colonel Deffenbaugh advanced with the assault companies in his battalion in an attack against artillery, mortar, machine gun, small arms fire; and heavy casualties were suffered. Disregarding the severe enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Deffenbaugh moved from company to company issuing orders and encouraging his men to continue the attack. The following morning he went to each company and personally assisted in reorganization of the companies for continued attack. During the assault against concrete pillboxes and almost impregnable dug-in positions, he constantly exposed himself to severe enemy fire to control his troops’ positions and to maintain contact with the battalion on his flank. Reaching the top of the mountain he joined his leading elements, viewed the situation and then went to direct all available personnel to reinforce his small assault group. His courageous leadership and inspiring devotion to duty were largely responsible for the success of the operation, and reflected great credit on himself and the Army of the United States.