Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 71 (May 4, 1944)
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 Sergeant Walter Gordon Sleezer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Limatola, Italy, on 13 October 1943. Sergeant Sleezer and his squad were given the mission of advance squad of the left flank platoon in an assault on an enemy strongpoint. During the advance, he and his men were suddenly fired upon by an enemy machinegun. Sergeant Sleezer immediately ordered his men to take cover and remain deployed. Then he advanced by crawling to a position from which he could fire on the enemy personnel manning the machinegun. He shot and killed the gunner of the crew and then charged with fixed bayonet and captured the assistant gunner. This intrepid act enabled his squad and the entire platoon to reach the objective. Sergeant Sleezer’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 and the United States Army.