(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Technical Sergeant Learville Newton Schlessman, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 2d Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces along the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 May 1945. Technical Sergeant Schlessman’s company was moving out for an attack on a hill position and the sergeant had been ordered to remain behind for treatment for fever. He soon heard his company had come under heavy enemy fire, and upon hearing that, he joined his platoon. Seizing an automatic rifle from a wounded comrade and springing to his feet, he charged toward the enemy position, yelling at the top of his voice and delivering deadly accurate rifle fire into the stronghold as he advanced, killing six Japanese and sealing ten caves in which the enemy was hiding. He then continued shooting again, and after the company had taken its objective, Sergeant Schlessman was estimated to have killed a total of 21 enemy soldiers. Technical Sergeant Schlessman’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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.