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 (Infantry), [then First Sergeant] Max R. Hendon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Pietra Vairano, Italy, on 11 November 1943. On that date, Lieutenant Hendon assumed command of his company and led the men against a strong enemy counterattack. He secured the exposed left flank of his company, then led an element into the thick of the fire fight. He passed through a hail of small arms fire to a point within 20 yards of a hostile machine gun position which had been pouring murderous fire on this men. With his carbine he killed three enemy and forced the remainder to flee. He then led the Infantry company in an attack which repulsed the enemy. Later, when the enemy again counterattacked, he directed the successful defense of his company’s positions. In the midst of deadly fire he proceeded rom man to man, rallying them against the attack. He personally led a platoon going ahead of it to within 10 yards of the enemy where he used hand grenades and his carbine to account for nine Germans. Second Lieutenant Hendon’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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.