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 Staff Sergeant Daniel Wade Minton (ASN: 16054093), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 12 February 1944. Staff Sergeant Minton was assigned the mission of inspecting a vitally important outpost position on Mount Castellone, Italy. While artillery and mortar fire burst about him, he crawled across rocky, exposed terrain and, upon arrival at the outpost position, observed a large force of German Infantry advancing up the slope to attack. Armed only with a sub-machinegun, he immediately delivered effective fire on the enemy soldiers and dispersed them. Realizing the serious threat to the security of his unit, he took advantage of the momentary disorganization of the Germans and withdrew to alert his platoon. On the return trip he was seriously wounded in the stomach by enemy small arms fire. Unable to walk, he shouted to his men of the imminent attack. Although suffering intense pain, he continued firing from the position where he had fallen, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. He refused evacuation until the determined enemy thrust had been repulsed. He subsequently died of his wounds. Staff Sergeant Minton’s 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, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.