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 Private First Class Thomas Ernest Ankesheiln, Jr. (ASN: 38502334), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 16 January 1945. During an attack by his company near Longvilly, Belgium, Private Ankesheiln was wounded. He continued on without pausing for medical aid and was again wounded by a heavy concentration of fire which killed the radio operator and destroyed the radio. Realizing the importance of maintaining liaison he refused evacuation and stayed with his company in his capacity as the Commander’s runner. Private Ankesheiln was wounded a third time by a sniper’s bullet but again he would not accept evacuation. He killed the sniper and stayed in action with his company until the mission was completed. The fearless determination displayed by Private First Class Ankesheiln, and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.