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 First Class Angelo Mario Fiori (ASN: 36539465), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 132d Infantry Regiment, 23 Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces near Villaba, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 23 and 25 February 1945 and on 3 March 1945. Private First Class Fiori was first scout of an infantry squad which on 23 February was attacking a strongly defended enemy position. When both the squad leader and assistant squad leader had been wounded, he quickly left cover and, under enemy machine gun and rifle fire, crawled to his wounded squad leader and moved him to safety. After administering first aid, he took command of the squad and successfully directed it until the engagement was completed. Two days later, during an assault on a well-fortified enemy-held hill, he took a position at the head of the charge, personally killed six enemy, and by his inspiring aggressiveness, gave impetus to the entire assault. One of the first to reach the crest of the hill, he directed the rest of the men until the objective was completely secured. On 3 March, when his squad was advancing through a cocoanut grove, the enemy suddenly opened machine gun and rifle fire and wounded the man directly behind him. Leaving his position, he drawled to the wounded man, who was in the direct life of the enemy fire. He was carrying his comrade to cover when he was kind and mortally wounded. Through his inspiring leadership and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life, Private First Class Fiori exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.