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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Chester Gruber Cruikshank (ASN: 0-330679), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the period 23 May 1944 to 3 June 1944 at Anzio, Italy. Prior to launching an attack against strong enemy positions, Colonel Cruikshank selected and occupied a forward observation post which he maintained in spite of intense machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire, directing the attack of his battalion. When the enemy launched a determined counter-attack, Colonel Cruikshank proceeded across fire swept terrain to his forward companies to direct the defense of the battalion’s sector. Moving among his harassed men while they were engaged in close combat with the enemy, Colonel Cruikshank skillfully and courageously coordinated organic and supporting weapons in disrupting the enemy counter-attack. On one occasion when an enemy mortar barrage wounded seven men in the battalion observation post, Colonel Cruikshank went out into the barrage to treat the wounded men and assist in their evacuation. Inspired by their commander’s bravery and disdain for personal safety, the Second Battalion succeeded in breaking fierce enemy resistance and captured all of their objectives, inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy.