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 Corporal Leslie Merle Belden (ASN: 19075840), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 10 January 1945. On that date, Corporal Belden led his machine-gun squad in an attack against determined enemy resistance near Recogne, Belgium. Before the men could assume positions they were subjected to an intense artillery barrage and all of them were wounded. Disregarding his own wound and the heavy fire, Corporal Belden went from man to man administering first aid and was again wounded as the enemy launched a fierce counterattack. Unable to stand, he crawled painfully to the machine-gun and delivered a deadly stream of fire until he lost consciousness. Corporal Belden’s heroic action repulsed the enemy attack. The fearless determination and courageous, unselfish devotion to duty he displayed exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.