The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Wayne (Infantry) Elijah Boyce (ASN: 0-1288690), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the First Special Service Force, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1943, on Mount La Difensa, Italy. First Lieutenant Boyce’s platoon was designated as the assault wave of his company for an attack on two fortified enemy ridge lines. Immediately after starting the attack, the platoon encountered fierce machine gun, machine pistol, and mortar fire, which halted the advance. First Lieutenant Boyce, however fearlessly moved forward, and his action inspired his men to rush onward and assault the position. The first objective having been taken, First Lieutenant Boyce immediately reorganized his unit and led the assault on the second enemy line. Although wounded fatally in this assault, First Lieutenant Boyce devoted his remaining energy to reorganizing his platoon and consolidating its position. His determined courage and aggressive leadership are an everlasting inspiration to those who followed him in his heroic assaults against the enemy. First Lieutenant Boyce’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.