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 Warren W. Beamish (ASN: 37086785), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 40th Engineer Combat Regiment (Separate), attached to the 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 July 1943 in Sicily. A few minutes after landing, Staff Sergeant Beamish then a Sergeant and squad leader, volunteered to accompany an army officer and, under fire from enemy guns, succeeded in moving inland, assaulting a gun position and pill box which was being manned by six Italian soldiers. This action resulted in the capture of the enemy and opened a landing site, specifically nullifying the fire power of the enemy on our assault and landing craft and opened a path for the advancing infantry. Staff Sergeant Beamish and the officer then proceeded up the beach in search of a better landing site and suitable position for erection of panel lights. Upon locating such a site, the officer and Staff Sergeant Beamish proceeded to erect the lights. When the lights were turned on, the staff sergeant and officer continued to advance and captured twenty-five Italian soldiers who were manning 20 millimeter and 50 caliber guns. This action opened the beach for 500 yards, affording the infantry assault waves a clean beach. The aggressiveness of Staff Sergeant Beamish, his complete disregard for personal safety, his coolness and courage under fire and in the face of a numerically superior enemy reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.