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 Corporal Jesse D. Hollemon, Jr. (ASN: 38051040), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Mount Lungo, Italy, on 15 December 1943. Corporal Hollemon acted as agent corporal of an Infantry heavy weapons platoon in support of a rifle company’s night attack at Mount Lungo. During the advance over rugged, mountainous terrain, the rifle company encountered fierce German resistance, and its positions were swept by terrific small arms, mortar and machine gun fire. Corporal Hollemon, while returning to his platoon to advise his commander of the situation, suddenly found himself caught between 12 German riflemen and an enemy machine gun nest. Unhesitatingly he opened fire with his rifle, killing two Germans, and then using hand grenades, wounded one and killed another. Although seriously wounded during this fire fight, he continued his magnificent mission with prodigious determination, until he fell to the ground dead. The magnificent valor and unswerving loyalty to duty displayed by Corporal Hollemon in the face of overwhelming odds provide a perpetual inspiration to his fellow Infantrymen. His 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.